THE 


CAPTTJEE, 

THE 

ea  m&  flte 


ACCOUNT  OF  PRISON  LIFE  IN  THE  SOUTH, 

PRINCIPALLY  AT 

RICHMOND,  DANVILLE,  MACON,  SAVANNAH,  CHARLESTON,  COLUMBIA, 

MILLIN,  SALISBUBY  AND  ANDERSONVILLE  :  DESCRIBING  THE 

ABBIVAL  or  PRISONERS,  PLANS  OF  ESCAPE,  WITH 

INCIDENTS  AND  ANECDOTES  or  PRISON  LIFE  ; 

EMBRACING,   ALSO, 

THE  ADVENTURES  OF  AN  ESCAPE  FROM  COLUMBIA,  S.  C., 

BECAPTUBE,  TRIAL  AS  SPT,  AND  FINAL  ESCAPIB 
FBOM  STLVANIA,  GEORGIA. 


BY  WILLARD  W.   GLAZIER, 

LATE  LIEUTENANT,  HARRIS  LIGHT   CAVALBT. 

"We  speaJt  that  we  do  Know,  and  testify  that  we  have  seen. 


ALBANY: 

J.  MUNSELL,  82  STATE  STREET. 
18  6' 6. 


LOAN  STACK 


"fer 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1866, 

By  WILLABD  W.  GLAZIBB, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States, 
for  the  Northern  District  of  New  York. 


TO    THE 

WIDOWS,    CHILDREN,    FATHERS,     MOTHERS,    BROTHERS, 
SISTERS,  FRIENDS,  AND  SURVIVING  COMRADES 

©f  tlje  &!)0ti0att&0  of  I3rat)e  Jtten 

Who  left  the  Pleasures  and  Comforts  of  Home, 
Abandoned  cherished  Enterprises 
and  business  Schemes 

FOR   THE   PURPOSE    OF   SERVING   THEIR   COUNTRY, 

And  who  have  been  Captured  by  the  Enemy 
while  in  the  faithful  performance 

of  their  Duty, 
AND  GONE  DOWN- 
TO  untimely  Graves  through  unparalleled  Sufferings, 
Is  this  Volume  most  Respectfully 

DEDICATED 

THE  AUTHOR. 


894 


«<  Hallow  ye  each  unmarked  grave, 

Make  their  memory  sure  and  blest ; 
For  their  lives  they  nobly  gave 
And  their  spirits  are  at  rest." 


PREFACE. 


The  following  pages  are  offered  to  inquiring 
minds  with  the  hope  that  they  may  throw  some 
light  upon  the  inhuman  treatment  we  received 
in  southern  prisons. 

They  do  not  pretend  to  give  a  complete  his 
tory  of  prison  life  in  the  south — only  a  part. 
Others  are  contributing  sketches  for  the  dark 
picture,  which  at  the  best,  can  but  poorly  illus 
trate  the  fearful  atrocities  of  our  brutal  keepers. 

For  the  want  of  much  information  on  this 
subject,  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  give  an  exact 
account  of  the  number  of  deaths  in  southern 
prisons.  Still,  if  we  consider  the  statements  of 
several  who  have  reduced  their  calculations  to 
figures,  we  may  arrive  at  a  more  correct  conclu 
sion  than  we  otherwise  should.  Robert  H. 
Kellogg,  Sergeant  Maj.,  16th  Conn.  Volunteers, 
who  was  at  Andersonville  and  Florence,  says 
the  deaths  at  the  latter  place  were  12  per  cent 


6  PREFACE. 

per  month.  Mr.  Richardson,  correspondent  of 
the  Neiv  York  Tribune,  says  it  was  13  per  cent  at 
Salisbury  for  the  same  time.  There  were  13,000 
deaths  at  Andersonville.  Mr.  Kellogg  affirms 
that  one-half  of  his  regiment  died  in  about  seven 
months.  Let  us  suppose  that  the  prisoners  will 
average  25,000  from  January  1, 1862,  to  January 
1,  1865,  and  the  deaths  to  be  nine  per  cent  per 
month,  or  2,250;  then  multiply  by  36  months, 
and  we  have  81,000  deaths.  Had  we  been  pro 
vided  with  such  clothing,  shelter  and  food  as  the 
laws  of  health  absolutely  require,  it  is  probable 
that  there  would  not  have  been  more  than  one- 
eighth  of  the  actual  number  of  deaths.  Hence, 
we  conclude  that  70,875  have  fallen  victims  to 
inhuman  treatment.  My  figures  with  regard  to 
the  number  of  prisoners  and  the  percentage  of 
deaths  may  be  too  large ;  but  allowing  that  my 
estimates  are  nearly  right,  the  awful  carnage  of 
the  battle-field  has  not  exceeded  the  frightful 
mortality  of  the  prison  pen.  Whether  the  rebels 
have  intentionally  murdered  our  unfortunate 
•soldiers  or  not,  I  leave  the  reader  to  decide. 

It  was  not  the  intention  to  publish  my  expe 
rience  until  several  weeks  after  my  escape.  I 
kept  a  diary  and  journal  from  the  time  of  my 
capture.  Upon  reading  portions  of  it  to  some 


PREFACE.  7 

of  my  friends,  they  persuaded  me  to  amplify, 
and  put  it  in  a  readable  form. 

The  rough  manuscript  was,' for  the  most  part, 
prepared  in  a  brush  shanty  at  Columbia ;  sitting 
on  the  ground,  and  writing  upon  the  back  of  an 
old  tin  plate.  Capt.  Kelly,  1st  Kentucky  Cav 
alry,  brought  a  part  of  that  manuscript  through 
the  lines  by  concealing  it  in  an  old  regula 
tion  hat,  which  he  wore  during  his  escape.  I 
smuggled  the  remainder  through  in  the  lining 
of  my  jacket. 

The  Appendix  is  principally  the  work  of 
Robert  J.  Fisher,  late  captain  17th  Missouri 
Volunteers,  being  taken  from  his  lithograph, 
entitled  the  "Libby  Prison  Memorial."  To 
these,  as  well  as  those  friends  who  have  ex 
pressed  an  interest  in  the  work,  and  in  various 
ways  aided  in  promoting  it,  my  sincere  thank? 

are  tendered. 

WILLARD  W.  GLAZIER 

Albany,  N.  Y.,  Nov   12,  1865, 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

Preface, 5 

List  of  Illustrations, 25 

The  Principal  Rebel  Prisons,  and  Where  they  were 

Located, 27 

Introduction, 29 

CHAPTER  I. 

Enlistment  and  Term  of  Service, 35 

Organization  of  the  Harris  Light  Cavalry, ....  36 

Term  of  Service,  36 

CHAPTER  II. 

The  Capture, 37 

Cavalry  Fight  at  New  Baltimore, 37 

Gen  Stuart  Orders  a  Charge, 38 

March  to  Culpepper, 38 

Our  Sufferings  on  the  Way, 89 

The  Former  Residence  of  Capt.  Semmes, 39 

Robbing  Prisoners, 39 


10  CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 
Gen.  Lee  in  Full  Retreat  for  the  Rapidan, 39 

Dialogue  with  a  Rebel, ; 40 


CHAPTER  III. 

Libby  Prison, 41 

^Arrival  at  Richmond, /ft 

VManner  in  which  we  were  treated  by  the  Rebel  Of 
ficers  on  arriving  at  Libby  Prison, 42 

lOur  Reception  by  the  Prisoners, 42 

JVlaj.  Turner's  Office, 42 

-wDescription  of  Libby  Prison, 4^ 

Character  of  Major  Turner, (Ifr' 

Sickness  in  the  Hospital, 48 

v  Prisoner  Shot  by  a  Sentinel, 46 

Encouraging  Prospects  of  the  Prisoners,  48 

My  Removal  to  Libby  Prison  Hospital, 49 

^Plan  of  Escape, 52 

^         Rumored  Exchange  of  Surgeons,  52 

Exchange  of  Surgeons, 54 

Thanksgiving  Day  in  Libby  Prison,  55 

Our  Manner  of  Correspondence — The  Rebels  dis 
cover  the  Secret,  * 57 

Hypocrisy  of  the  Rebels, —  55 

Issue  of  Private  Boxes,  56 

Detention  af  a  Love  Letter, 58 

Mortality  on  Belle  Island,  59 

Rebel  Method  of  Burying  Our  Dead, 59 

Death  of  My  Sister  Elvira, 60 


CONTENTS.  II 

PAGE. 

Sad  Newsfrom  Home, 60 

Gen.  Bragg's  Defeat, 60 

Suffering  from  Cold, 62 

Distribution  of  Clothing  among  the  Prisoners, 63 

Gen.  Meade  Retires  Toward  Fredericksburg,  ....I...  6j5 

uThe  Manner  in  which  we  Amuse  Ourselves, 64 

vAtt  Escape  and  its  Consequences, 65 

My  Return  from  the  Hospital, 65 

Exchange  Rumors, 66 

Barbarous  Treatment  of  the  Sick, 66 

The  New  Year  in  Libby, 68 

Preparations  for  a  Dance, 68 

\Jkist  of  Rations  Issued  to  Us, '69, 

Punishment  for  Singing  our  National  Songs, 69 

\3?tinnelmg, ^f$ 

vDne  Hundred  and  Fifty  Prisoners  Missing, 70 

Maj.  Turner  Allows  an  Issue  of  Boxes, 71 

-.Capture  of  Escaped  Prisoners, ^71 

The  Great  Tunnel, , 72 

The   Plan  of  Operation, 73 

Conveniences  for  Performing  the  Work, 73 

Each  Man  Determined  to  be  First  Out, 74 

Escape  of  Prisoners, 75 

The  Roll  Call, 75 

Lateush  Discovers  the  Tunnel,  76 

The  Guard  in  Castle  Thunder, 76 

Kilpatrick's  Raid, , .....  76 

Organization, , 77 


12  CONTENTS. 

FAGS. 

JNegro  Guide  Shot  for  Perfidy, 78 

Gen.  Kilpatrick's  Designs  Thwarted,  78 

Death  of  Col.  Dahlgren, 79 

Rebel  Mode  of  Treating  Raiders, 79 

Method  of  Communicating  with  the  Raiders, 80 

The  Prison  Undermined,  81 

V&hare  Our  Rations  with  the  Raiders, 81 

The  Special  Exchange, 82 

'' Exchange  on  the  Brain," 82 

Nearly  Detected  in  Assisting  the  Raiders, 83 

Amusement  at  the  Expense  of  the  "  Fresh  Fish,"  84 

Prisoners  from  Plymouth,..' 84 

Refuse  to  Give  us  Wood, 87 

"  Corn  Dodgers,"  88 

Gen.  Lee  Reported  to  be  Defeated, 88 

Farewell  to  Libby,  89 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Arrived  at  Danville,  Virginia, 90 

vEscape  from  the  Cars, 90 

New  Plans  for  Escape, 91 

C.  S.  Military  Prison,  Danville,  Va., 92 

*  Our  Rations  at  Danville  Prison    92 

vSleeping  Spoon  Fashion, 93 

"Uncle  Bob"  Comes  off  Second  Best, 94 

vA  Large  Tunnel  in  Process  of  Digging, 94 

In  Cattle  Cars,  near  Greensboro',  N.  C., 95 

The  Rebels  Alarmed, 96 


CONTENTS.  13 

PAOI. 

Conscripts  for  Lee's  Army, 96 

x^&n  Attempt  to  Escape,  97 

Near  Charlotte,  N.  C., 97 

vPrisoners  Attempt  to  Escape  by  Burying   Them 
selves  in  the  Ground,  98 

vWe  Entertain  Citizens, .... 98 

-JPlans  for  Escape,  98 

Columbia,  South  Carolina,  99 

Augusta,  Georgia, ... 100 

CHAPTER  V. 

At  Macon,  Georgia,  Camp  Oglethorpe, 102 

Macon,  its  Military  Importance, 102 

.  Turner  at  Macon  r™^~mr, , «„ 103 

Dead  Line, 103 

New  Arrivals,  104 

Firing  upon  a  Prisoner, 104 

Our  Rations, 105 

Notice  from  the  Rebel  Authorities, 106 

Our  Method  of  Digging  Tunnels,  106 

Our  Tunnel  Discovered, 110 

Unpleasant  Consequences,  110 

Our  Appeal  to  Capt.  Gibbs, Ill 

Murder  of  Lieut.   Grierson, Ill 

Rebel  Favors,  112 

A  Meeting  held  in  Accordance  with  Rebel  Sugges 
tions, . 113 

Tunnels,  114 

2 


14  CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Our  Plans  for  Escape  Frustrated, 114 

ySentinels  are  Instructed  to  Shoot  down  Prisoners,...  115 

Special  Order  No.  9, 115 

Scurvy,   116 

Afflicted  with  the  Scurvy,  116 

Fourth  of  July — Our  Celebration, 117 

Col.  Thorpe  Makes  a  Speech, 119 

Capt.  Gibbs  Orders  us  to  Disperse, 119 

Special  Orders  No.6, 120 

"Skirmishing," 120 

The  Author  sells  his  Buttons  to  save  Life, 122 

Removal  of  Prisoners, —  123 

A  General  Exchange  of  Prisoners  Anticipated, 123 

CHAPTER  VI. 

At  Savannah,  Georgia,  Camp  Davidson, 126 

Preparations  for  Defence  of  Macon,  126 

Description  of  Savannah, 127 

Kind  Treatment  at  Savannah, 128 

A  Comparison  of  Rebel  Prisons', 129 

*  Better  Rations,  130 

Prisoners  Attempt  to  Escape, 130 

V  Brick  Ovens, 131 

Tunneling, 132 

Our  Scheme  Exposed  by  a  Cow, 132 

Joy  Without,  Death  Within  the  Stockade,  133 

Nothing  but  a  Damned  Yankee, 134 

Death  of  Capt.  McGinnis, 134 


CONTENTS.  15 

PAGE. 

V/Tnhumanity  of  Col.  Wayne, 134 

Exchange  of  Army  Chaplains  and  Surgeons, 135 

Kindness  of  Ladies, 135 

Heavy  Cannonading  in  the  Direction  of  Charleston,  186 

Rumored  Removal  to  Charleston, 137 

CHAPTER  VII. 

In  Charleston  Jail  Yard, : '138 

One  of  our  Men  fired  upon  by  the  Guard, 139 

The  Burnt  District, ' 141 

Charleston  Jail  and  its  Inmates, 143 

A  Friend, 144 

Inclined  to  be  Distrustful, 144 

An  Act  of  true  Nobleness, 144 

Genuine  Patriotism,  *145 

A  higher  Language  than  theWritten,  146 

The  last  Visit, 147 

An  Original  Song,  148 

V&nderson  ville, 149 

\JPhe  Ground  a  Mass  of  Lice, 149 

Awful  Condition  of  the  Hospital, 150 

^reat  Suffering, 150 

giving  Death.  151 

AThunder  Storm. 152 

Refused  Admission  to  the  Jail, 152 

A  Contrast, 153 

Shells  a  Subject  of  Discussion, 154 

Roper  Hospital, 157 


16  CONTENTS 

PACT. 

Sisters  of  Charity, 158 

Yellow  Fever,  160 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Removal  to  Columbia,  Camp  Sorghum, 162 

Treated  Kindly  by  the32dGa., 162 

Rebel  Vigilance, 163 

Peace  Movements, 163 

Columbia,   164 

Morning  after  the  Storm, -. 168 

Turned  out  to  Grass, '. 168 

News  from  the  Army, 170 

Distribution  of  Clothing, 170 

A  Day  of  Joy, 170 

Voting  upon  the  Presidential  Candidates, 171 

The  Test  and  its  Result, 172 

An  Escape,  174 

Rejoicing  Over  a  Successful  Escape, 175 

A  Prisoner  Shot, 176 

^Thoughts  of  Home, 177 

Allowed  to  get  Wood  by  Taking  a  Parole, 179 

My  Old  Shoes, 181 

Turning  Night  into  Day, 182 

•  A  Day  of  Anxiety,  182 

x  Deception  Practiced  by  the  Prison  Authorities, 182 

Lieut.  Parker  Fearfully  Mangled  by  Dogs, 184 

Caught  by  Hounds, 184 

Issuing  Meat  Rations  at  Camp  Sorghum,  187 


CONTENTS.  17 

PAGB. 

Governor  Brown's  Proclamation, 189 

Heavy  Frosts— No  Blankets, 190 

Sleeping  in  the  Middle, 190 

No  Prospect  of  an  Exchange, 191 

Renewed  Determination  to  Escape, 191 

CHAPTER  IX.. 

The  Escape  from  Columbia, 193 

OutonParole, 193 

Passing  the  Dead  Line, 194 

Meeting  Negroes, 195 

Blind  Roads, 196 

A  Picket  of  Eight  Men, 196 

"  I  Dun  No  What  Make  Dem  Niggers  Run  So,"...  197 

Another  Picket,  197 

The  Escape  —  Searching  for  the  Road  at  Night, 199 

Kindness  of  Mrs.  Taylor, 201 

A  Royal  Breakfast, 202 

Met  a  Negro, 203 

A  Prayer  Meeting, .... 203 

A  Negro  Guide, 204 

The  "Augusta  Constitutionalist/'. 205 

Crossing  the  North  Edisto,  205 

The  Road  terminates  in  a  Swamp, 206 

Other  Difficulties, 207 

My  Companion's  Misfortune, 208 

Pursued  by  Bushwhackers, 209 

Meeting  Escaped  Prisoners,   210 


18  CONTENTS. 

PAGB. 

Approaching  a  Negro, 210 

An  Attempt  to  Travel  by  Rail, 211 

Good  Music  —  Greatly  Encouraged, 212 

Followed  by  a  Hound, , 212 

A  Happy  Mistake, 213 

A  Race, 214 

Something  for  the  Haversack,  . 214 

Traveling  with  a  Guide, 215 

In  a  Cypress  Swamp  on  the  Savannah, 216 

Viewing  our  little  Craft  by  Moonlight, 216 

Crossing  the  Savannah  in  a  Cypress  Tree  Canoe,...  217 

Bailing  for  Life, 217 

Alligators, 218 

The  North  Star, 218 

Cavalry  Patrol, 219 

My  Old  Shoes, 219 

Fording  Streams  and  Backing  Each  Other, 222 

Chased  by  Hounds, 223 

Acting  the  Part  of  a  Rebel,  224 

"De  Planter  Was  a  Bushwhacker/'  ,  227 

A  Confederate  Officer, 228 

My  Horse  Shot  at  Waynesboro,  228 

Transferred, 228 

Our  Clothing  Excites  Suspicion, 229 

Determined  to  Have  a  Breakfast,  230 

"Mr.  Brown's/' •    230 

Accidentally  Seen  by  a  Planter,.... ...  231 

A  Critical  Situation, ,.  232 


CONTENTS.  19 

PACK. 
Pursued  by  Hounds, 232 

Duping  Rebel  Couriers,  233 

CHAPTER  X. 

Re-captured  by  a  Rebel  Picket, 234 

The  Challenge, 236 

Acting  as  Scout  to  Gen.  Hardie, 236 

Regarded  as  a  Yankee  Spy, 238 

A  Kind  Act, , 240 

An  Attempt  to  Bribe  the  Guard,  241 

"Let 'Em  Stretch  Hemp," 242 

Apparently  Unable  to  Walk, 243 

Once  More  in  the  Saddle, 243 

The  Escape  and  Pursuit, 244 

Arrival  at  Wheeler's  Head  Quarters, 246 

Two  Live  Yanks  in  the  Jail  Yard, 249 

Method  of  Accounting  for  Absentees,  252 

Good  News, 255 

A  Favor, , 255 

CHAPTER  XL 

The  Escape  from  Sylvania,  Ga., 256 

Lieut.  J.  W.  Wright,  10th  Iowa  Volunteers, 256 

Thj  Plan  for  Escape, 256 

"  Escape  on  the  Brain," 257 

Escaping  with    Rations  Intended   for   the    Rebel 

Guard, 258 

Old  Richard,    260 


20  CONTENTS.  ^ 

PAGE. 

Confiding  our  Plans  to  a  Negro, 261 

Concealed  in  an  Old  Pine  Tree  Top, 262 

In  a  Swamp  near  Springfield,  Ga., 263 

Rebel  Deserters, 265 

Renewed  Obstacles, 266 

A  Proposition, 266 

The  Interview  with    Mrs.   Keyton  —  Turning   the 

Tables,  267 

111  Fated  Dixie,   273 

Gen.  Sherman  Just  Where  They  Wanted  Him,  ...  273 

Startled  by  the  Yelping  of  Hounds, ; 275 

Bushwhackers  in  Pursuit,  275 

A  Narrow  Escape, 276 

An  Amusing  Incident, 278 

Rebel  Scouts,  280 

Efforts  to  Obtain  a  Guide, 281 

ColoredHlan  No.  3, 281 

March  Dasher,  282 

"I'll  Do  It,  Massa,  If  God  Be  My  Helper," 282 

Uneasy  Until  Prayer  Was  Offered  for  Our  Benefit,  282 

The  Negro's  Clock  Needs  No  Repairing, 283 

"  Gemmen,  Now  Ize  Ready," 283 

A  Group  of  Blue  Coats, 284 

Maj.  Turner  was  not  There, 2b4 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Arrival  at  Savannah,  286 

Regarded  as  Spies, 287 


CONTENTS.  21 

PAGE. 

Pronounced  Genuine  Union  Soldiers,. 288 

Christmas  Dinner,  288 

At  Kilpatrick's  Head  Quarters, 289 

On  Board  the  Steamship  Planter, 290 

On  Board  the  Ashland, 291 

In  a  Gale  off  Cape  Hatteras, 291 

Arrival  at  New  York,..                                               ,  292 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

At  Millin, 294 

Camp  Lawton, 294. 

Testimony  of  Sergt.  W.  Goodyear, 294 

The  Inclosure, 295 

Average  Numher  of  Deaths  per  Day, 596 

Daily  Allowance  of  Rations, 297 

Voting  at  Millin  Prison, 298 

Inducements  to  Enter  the  Rebel  Service, 298 

Came  too  Near  th«  Dead  Line, 301 

Testimony  of  0.  R.  Dahl, 301 

Murder  of  Lieut.  Turbayne, 301 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Salisbury  Penitentiary, 303 

Testimony  of  Messrs.  Richardson  and  Brown, 303 

Great  Suffering  for  Want  of  Bread  and  Shelter,...  304 

"Give  Them  Quarter  Rations," 305 

Terrible  Condition  of  the  Hospitals, 306 


22  CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 
Meeting  Among  the  Prisoners, 306 

Mr.  Brown's  Description  of  Salisbury  Prison, 308 


CHAPTER  XV. 

At  Andersonville,  311 

Testimony  of  Ira  E.  Forbes, 311 

Capture  and  Removal  to  Camp  Sumter, 312 

AtTarboro, 312 

Traffic  with  the  Rebels, 313 

Cattle  Cars  Styled  "Carriages"  by  Rebels, 314 

Generosity  of  the  Citizens  of  Charleston, 315 

vArrival  at  Andersonville, 316 

Capt,  Wirz,  the  Little  Foreigner, .'. . .  316 

-    Suffering  at  Andersonville, 317 

w-The  Dead  Line, 318 

A  Prisoner  Shot, 319 

^'Burial  of  the  Dead, 320 

A  Prisoner    Shot, 320 

intense  Mental  Trials, 322 

Removal  of  Prisoners  from  Andersonville, 323 

Scurvy,  324 

Rations  Issued  by  the  United  States  Government 

to  Rebel  Prisoners  of  War, 325 

Statement  of  Clothing  Issued  to  Prisoners  of  War 

at  Fort  Delaware,  326 

Union  Prisoners  from  Dixie's  Sunny  Land,.... 327 


CONTENTS. 


APPENDIX, 

PAGE. 

Containing  the  Name,  Rank  and  Kegiment  of 
the  Officers  who  were  imprisoned  at  Richmond, 
Danville,  Macon,  Savannah,  Charleston,  Colum 
bia,  Charlotte,  Raleigh  and  Goldsborough,  1864 
and  1865, .;...  331 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


1.  Rebel  Mode  of  Capturing  Escaped  Prisoners, 

Frontispiece. 
PAGE. 

2.  View  of  Libby  Prison, 43 

3.  Interior  View  of  Libby  Prison, 85 

4.  Tunneling  (The  Narrow  Path  to  Freedom), 107 

5.  Issuing  Meat  Rations  at  Camp  Sorghum, 185 

6.  The  Escape  — Searching  for  the  Road  at  Night,  199 

7.  Came  too  near  the  Dead  Line, 299 


THE  PRINCIPAL  REBEL  PRISONS,  AND 
WHERE  THEY  WERE  LOCATED. 


Libby,  Kichmond,  Va. 
Danville,  Pottsylvania  county,  Va. 
Macon,  Ga.,  known  south  as  Camp  Oglethorpe. 
Savannah,  Ga.,  known  south  as  Camp  Davidson. 
Charleston,  S.  C. 

Columbia,  S.  C.,  known  south  as  Camp  Sorghum. 
Anderson ville,  Suinter  county,  Ga.,  known  south  as 
Camp  Sumter. 

Millin,  Burke  Co.,  Ga.,  known  south  as  Camp  Lawton. 

Florence,  Darlington  county,  S.  C. 

Salisbury,  Rowan  county,  N.  C. 

Tyler,  Smith  county,  Texas. 

Cahaba,  Dallas  county,  Alabama. 

Castle  Thunder,  Richmond,  Va. 

Belle  Isle,  in  James  river,  near  Richmond. 

Blackstone,  S.  C. 

Raleigh,  N.  C.* 


INTRODUCTION. 


In  presenting  this  little  volume  to  the  public, 
let  us  bespeak  for  it  the  welcome  due  to  truth, 
wherever  found.  It  is  not  pretentious.  The 
author  is  a  young  man  and  a  patriot. 

He  comes  with  no  high  sounding  claims — no 
grand  display  of  literary  wealth;  simply  as  a 
fellow  being — a  man  who  has  suffered  and 
fought  for  his  country.  A  returned  soldier,  es 
caped  from  the  horrors  of  southern  prisons,  he 
appeals  to  our  feelings  of  humanity  and  our 
gratitude.  He  bears  his  honest  wounds,  and 
lifts  his  manly  voice  in  testimony  of  the  guilt 
of  the  merciless  leaders  of  the  great  rebellion. 
Additional  proofs  he  offers  of  the  atrocities  the 
slave  power  has  practiced  upon  our  poor  boys 
who  meekly  and  heroically  endured  sufferings, 
privations  and  indignities  to  which  all  history 
furnishes  no  parallel,  and  which  only  trained 
and  depraved  miscreants  could  inflict. 


30  INTRODUCTION. 

As  we  follo\y  him  from  his  peaceful  home 
among  the  pleasant  valleys  of  the  St.  Lawrence, 
where  no  clank  of  chains  was  ever  heard — no 
moan  of  starvation  ever  saddened  the  free  air — 
where  the  odious  emblem  of  traitors  and  tyrants 
was  never  unfurled — we  become  identified  with 
him  in  all  his  wanderings,  dangers,  and  escapes, 
and,  borne  on  the  irresistible  tide  of  sympathy, 
we  almost  feel  his  pain,  and  weep  with  him  in 
misfortune. 

There  are  passages  of  great  beauty  and  ex 
ceeding,  nay,  painful  interest  in  this  book  of  our 
young  countryman.  Indeed,  many  pages  would 
be  worthy  of  our  best  writers. 

Sentiments  of  lofty  patriotism,  heroic  forti 
tude,  moral  and  spiritual  purity,  constantly  win 
our  admiration  and  endear  him  to  our  hearts. 

He  has  not  fallen  into  the  egotism,  so  difficult 
to  avoid  in  a  work  of  this  kind.  His  modesty 
is  only  equaled  by  a  spirit  of  self-sacrifice,  a 
love  of  liberty  and  country.  He  speaks  in  bit 
ter  rebuke  of  the  Confederate  government,  of 
slavery  and  its  degraded  minions. 

Often,  did  we  not  know  from  others,  and  from 
his  unquestioned  integrity,  the  truth  of  what  he 
relates,  we  should  doubt  the  awful  realities  he 


INTRODUCTION.  31 

pictures;  saying,  in  this  age,  in  this  land  Of 
freedom,  such  things  could  never  be. 

And  now  the  question  arises — how  can  we 
account  for  the  barbarism  of  the  southern  lead 
ers,  and  their  debased  turnkeys  and  hirelings  ? 
They  are  of  our  blood,  were  born  in  a  Christian 
land,  and  in  the  nineteenth  century.  How  does 
it  happen  that  they  have  been  guilty  of  crimes 
and  ferocity  that  the  tawny  savage  of  the  Pa 
cific  slope  would  blush  to  perpetrate?  Alas, 
there  can  be  but  one  reply :  born  arid  bred  to 
tyranny  and  vice;  nurtured  in  shameful  de 
bauchery  ;  ashamed  of  honest  labor ;  accus 
tomed  to  appropriate  the  fruit  of  another's 
toil ;  to  employ  brute  force  to  trample  on  the 
rights  of  others.  Educated  to  practices  a  north 
ern  man  would  shudder  to  contemplate,  they 
have  stained  with  blood  and  horror  the  records 
of  their  unholy  rebellion,  and  steeped  in  shame 
the  name  of  Southern  Chivalry.  Their  vaunted 
superiority  and  haughty  claims  to  the  title 
of  gentlemen,  have  become  a  by-word  and  a 
jeer. 

We  should  pity  them,  if  we  could  forget  to 
abhor.  As  it  is — with  the  fearful  monuments 
of  Belle  Isle,  Libby,  Columbia,  Salisbury,  An- 


32  INTRODUCTION. 

dersonville,  and  others  before  our  eyes — with 
the  living  victims  of  their  depravity  among  us — 
with  the  groans  of  our  murdered  soldiers  in 
every  cemetery — with  our  lunatic  asylums,  ten 
anted  by  their  wretched  captives,  driven  to 
madness  by  slow  starvation,  exposure  and  hard 
ened  cruelty,  can  we  say  of  Jefferson  Davis, 
his  generals  and  agents,  go  ;  enjoy  the  blessings 
of  sun  and  air,  ftealth  and  liberty  ?  Shall  the 
earth  fester  beneath  the  tread  of  monsters  more 
dangerous  and  terrible  than  the  deadly  boa  or 

ferocious  tiger. 
Let  the    avenging    justice   of  the   righteous 

Father  of  all  be  our  answer. 

He  who  has  led  us  through  this  Red  Sea  of 
our  brother's  blood,  to  the  green  hills  and 
sunny  plains  of  Peace  and  Freedom,  He  will 
reveal  himself  in  the  future  of  our  country,  to 
bless  her  if  deserving — to  punish  if  she  for 
gets  her  duty  to  her  slaughtered  sons — her 
trampled  bondsmen — her  soldiers,  their  widows 
and  orphans. 

"Think  not  the  Eternal's  ear  is  deaf, 

His  sleepless  vision  dim ; 
Think,  ye,  the  soul's  blood  may  not  rise 
From  that  far  land  to  Him  ?  " 


INTRODUCTION.  33 

With  a  cordial  endorsement  of  the  book  be 
fore  us,  chiefly  for  its  entire  simplicity  and  truth 
fulness,  we  commend  it  to  all  loyal  souls. 

HELEN  RICH. 

Canton,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  F.,  Oct.  1,  1865. 


THE    CAPTURE, 

THB 

tfti 


CHAPTER  I. 

ENLISTMENT  AND   TERM   OF   SERVICE. 

In  listening  to  an  adventure,  personal  or 
otherwise,  the  hearer  very  naturally  desires  to 
know  who  is  addressing  him.  Therefore,  kind 
reader,  know  that  I  was  horn  in  the  town  of 
Fowler,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.,  August  22d, 
1841. 

I  enlisted  as  a  private  in  the  company  raised 
by  Clarence  Buel,  for  the  2d  Eegiment  of  N.  Y. 
Cavalry  (Harris  Light),  Aug.  6th,  1861,  at  Troy, 
N.  Y.  I  will  not  enter  upon  any  elaborate  descrip 
tion  of  the  emotions  or  motives  which  led  me  to 
enter  the  service,  my  reasons  will  be  easily  con 
jectured  by  all  loyal  hearts.  The  Harris  Light 
Cavalry  was  organized  by  J.  Mansfield  Davies 
of  New  York,  as  colonel,  and  Judson  Kilpatrick 
of  New  Jersey,  as  lieutenant  colonel.  The 
regiment  was  composed  of  men  from  New  York, 
New  Jersey,  Connecticut,  Vermont,  Pennsyl 
vania  and  Indiana.  It  was  originally  intended 


36  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC. 

for  the  regular  army,  and  was  known  for  some 
time  as  the  7th  IT.  S.  Cavalry ;  but  the  Eegular 
Cavalry  being  reduced  to  six  regiments,  we 
were  assigned  to  New  York,  as  she  Jiad  contri 
buted  the  largest  number  of  men  to  the  or 
ganization.  We  were  ordered  to  "Washington 
during  the  latter  part  of  August,  and  after  a 
month's  drill,  crossed  the  Potomac,  and  encamped 
in  front  of  the  enemy  at  Munson's  Hill.  From 
this  time  until  my  capture  at  the  close  of  the 
campaign  in  '63,  I  served  with  my  regiment, 
which  shared  the  varied  fortunes  of  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac,  under  its  successive  commanders, 
McClellan,  McDowell,  Pope,  Burnside,  Hooker 
and  Meade,  but  in  the  more  immediate  com 
mands  of  Bayard,  Stoneman,  Pleasonton, 
Gregg  and  Kilpatrick. 


CHAPTEE  n. 

THE  CAPTURE. 

In  the  cavalry  tight  at  Few  Baltimore,  Va., 
Oct.  19th,  1863,  Gen.  Kilpatrick  with  his  small 
division  (which  had  been  greatly  reduced  by  the 
fearful  losses  of  the  summer  campaign),  was 
opposed  to  Stuart's  entire  command.  Kilpatrick, 
who  was  acting  upon  the  offensive,  had  thrown 
his  force  across  Broad  Run,  at  Buckland,  when, 
to  our  surprise,  we  were  attacked  in  rear  by 
Fitz  Hugh  Lee,  which  was  the  signal  for  Stuart 
to  commence  the  attack  in  front  and  General 
Gordon  on  the  flanks.  In  this  emergency  General 
Kilpatrick,  with  that  coolness  and  decision  which 
has  ever  characterized  him  as  a  great  leader  of 
cavalry,  ordered  his  whole  force  to  wheel  about 
and  charge  the  columns  of  Lee.  The  "  Harris 
Light,"  having  been  in  front  while  advancing, 
DOW  became  the  rear  guard,  and  by  this  move 
ment  we  were  compelled  to  meet  the  desperate 
charges  of  the  enemy  in  pursuit ;  having  reached 
a  little  rise  of  ground  we  made  a  stand  and  for 


38  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

some  time  checked  the  advance  of  the  rebels  by 
pouring  into  their  ranks  deadly  volleys  from  our 
carbines   and   revolvers.     General  Stuart,   who 
was  at  the  head  of  his  command,  saw  clearly  that 
he  could  only  dislodge  us  by  a  charge,  and  order 
ing  it  lead  his  men  in  person.     Our  men  stood 
firm  and  were  soon  engaged  in  a  hand  to  hand 
conflict  with  the  advancing  columns  of  the  foe. 
At  this  juncture  my  horse  was  shot  under  me, 
and  our  little  party,  outnumbered  ten    to  one, 
was  hurled  back  by  the  overpowering  force  of 
the  rebels,  their  whole   command  riding  over 
myself  and  horse.     Being  severely  injured  by 
the  fall  of  my  horse  and  by  the  charging  squad 
rons  that  passed  over  me,  I  was  insensible  for 
several  moments,  and  when  I  became  conscious 
of  my  situation  found  that  I  was  being  carried 
rapidly  from  the  scene  of  action  under  a    rebel 
guard.    My  arms  had  been  stripped  from  me, 
my  pockets   rifled,  and  watch  taken.     Once  a 
prisoner,!  was  hurried  from  the  field  to  Warren- 
ton  jail,  and  from  thence  to  Culpepper,  Orange 
Court  House,  Gordonsville  and  Richmond.     I 
shall  never  forget  our  march  from  Warrenton  to 
Culpepper;  it  was  one  of  the  severest  tramps  of 
my  life.     We  started  at  sunrise  and  went  by  way 
of  Sulphur  Springs,  which  before  the  war  was  a 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  39 

stirring  little  town  as  well  as  a  favorite  summer 
resort  for  the  F.  F.  V's  of  that  vicinity,  but  is 
now  in  a  ruinous  condition,  noted  only  as  the 
former  home  of  Capt.  Semmes,  commander  of 
the  pirate  Alabama.  The  weather  was  exceed 
ingly  hot  and  the  distance  not  less  than  thirty 
miles.  Our  guard  was  mounted  and  evinced 
but  little  sympathy  for  our  unfortunate  condi 
tion,  as  we  endeavored  to  keep  pace  with  them. 
Their  great  haste  was  owing  to  the  fact  that 
General  Lee  had  been  defeated  at  the  battle  of 
Bristoe,and  was  in  full  retreat  for  the  Rapidan, 
our  army  in  pursuit.  IsTone  save  those  who  have 
been  in  the  cavalry  Service  know  how  to  sympa 
thize  with  a  dismounted  cavalier  if  compelled 
to  march  on  foot.  Our  sufferings  were  inde 
scribable  ;  curses  and  threats  long  and  loud  were 
freely  indulged  in  by  the  guard  because  we 
could  not  walk  faster.  Six  of  our  number  fell 
by  the  wayside  before  we  reached  Culpepper 
from  utter  exhaustion.  While  at  Warrenton 
most  of  our  number  were  robbed  of  their  cloth 
ing,  watches,  and  in  fact  every  thing  which 
could  excite  either  the  curiosity  or  avarice  of  a 
rebel.  One  of  these  "chivalrous  gentlemen'* 
demanded  my  hat,  over-coat  and  boots,  when 
the  following  dialogue  ensued  : 


40  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

Fed.  The  articles  you  demand  are  my  per 
sonal  property,  and  it  is  wrong  for  you  to  compel 
me  to  give  them  up. 

Reb.  We  have  authority  from  General  Stuart 
to  take  from  prisoners  whatever  we  want. 

Fed.  I  doubt  your  authority,  sir,  and  if  you 
are  a  gentleman  you  will  not  be  guilty  of  strip 
ping  a  defenceless  prisoner. 

Reb.  I  will  show  you  my  authority,  you 
damned  Yankee  (drawing  his  pistol) ;  now  take 
off  that  coat  or  I  will  blow  your  brains  out. 

Fed.  Blow  away  then,  it  is  as  well  to  be  with 
out  brains  as  without  clothing  at  this  season  of 
the  year. 

Johnny  Eeb  was  not  quite  disposed  to  fire  upon 
me,  and  giving  his  head  a  shake  rode  off,  think 
ing,  no  doubt,  that  he  could  supply  his  wants 
in  another  direction  without  wasting  his  ammu 
nition. 


CHAPTER 

LIBBY  PRISON. 

October  23,  1863.  We  entered  Richmond  at 
an  early  hour  in  the  morning,  and  were 
marched  very  hurriedly  through  town  to  this 
prison.  While  passing  through  the  city  we 
were  subjected  to  the  slang  and  insults  of  the 
citizens,  who  used  every  endeavor  to  impose 
upon  us.  One  greeted  us  with  "  how  are  you, 
Blue  Bellies  ? "  "  Why  did'nt  you  all  come  into 
Richmond  with  your  arms  on  ?  "  Another  sang 
out,  "  Hello  Yanks,  what  do  you  think  of  Lib- 
by's?"  Mrs.  Secession  remarked,  "If  they  are 
the  officers  of  the  Yankee  army,  what  must  the 
privates  be  ?  "  A  chivalrous  madam  exclaimed, 
"  O  what  a  pity  it  is  that  our  noble  sons  must 
be  murdered  by  such  miserable  vagabonds !" 
We  did  not  deign  to  notice  their  questions  or 
remarks,  but  passed  on  in  column  of  fours,  keep 
ing  step,  and  with  an  air  of  perfect  unconcern 
for  the  jesting  which  came  from  all  sides.  Ar- 


42  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

riving  at  the  prison,  we  were  first  taken  to 
Major  Turner's  office,  where  we  were  told  that 
we  must  turn  over  all  the  gold  and  greenbacks 
in  our  possession.  Our  diaries  were  demanded, 
also  the  photographs  and  ambrotypes  of  our 
relatives  and  friends.  After  this  most  disgrace 
ful  robbery  was  concluded  we  were  taken  to  the 
rooms  occupied  by  the  prisoners,  and,  as  we  met 
them,  were  amazed  at  their  cries  of  "  Fresh 
Fish."  "  Close  up."  "  Where  were  you  cap 
tured?"  "What  army  do  you  belong  to?" 
"  Give  him  air,"  etc.,  etc.  They  did  not  abate 
their  zeal  in  the  use  of  the  above  expressions 
until  several  moments  after  our  entrance.  1 
soon  learned  that  it  was  the  universal  custom  to 
treat  all  new  comers  in  the  same  manner. 

I  find  the  following  officers  of  my  regiment 
confined  here:  Maj.  Samuel  Mclrvin,  who  was 
captured  in  the  cavalry  fight  at  Liberty  Ford, 
while  gallantly  leading  his  battalion  against  the 
rebel  Gen.  Baker's  brigade ;  Capt.  Chas.  Hasty, 
and  Adj't  P.  0.  Jones,  also  taken  at  Liberty 
Ford ;  Capt.  H.  H.  Mason,  captured  on  the  Rap- 
pahannock  ;  Quartermaster  B.  Coles,  and  Lieut. 
William  Nyce,  at  Thoroughfare  Gap ;  Lieut. 
J.  A.  Richardson,  at  Emmetsburg,  Maryland ; 
Lieut.  Geo.  H.  Houston,  Hazel  river,  Va.,  and 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  45 

Lieut.  A.  C.  Shaeffer,  at  Culpepper.  They  were 
all  glad  of  the  opportunity  to  hear  from  our 
armies,  but  deeply  regretted  that  it  was  my  mis 
fortune  to  meet  them  in  this  awful  place. 

Libhy  Prison  is  an  old  and  somewhat  dilapi 
dated  building,  belonging  to  the  estate  of  John 
Enders.  Before  the  war  it  was  used  by  Libby 
and  Son  as  a  store  house  ;  but  now  it  is  used  by 
southern  fiends — for  I  cannot  countenance  a 
milder  term  —  as  a  den  of  torture  for  such  as 
may  be  so  unfortunate  as  to  fall  into  their 
hands.  There  are  but  few  windows,  and  these 
small  and  carefully  secured  by  iron  grates.  The 
sentinels  are  stationed  in  front  of  the  windows, 
outside  of  the  building,  with-  orders  to  fire  upon 
the  first  man  who  attempts  to  look  out.  We 
are  here  huddled  together  like  sheep  in  a  slaugh 
ter-house,  awaiting  the  approach  of  those  mon 
sters,  eager  to  destroy  us  by  any  mode  of  torture. 
The  rooms  are  filthy  and  unfurnished.  There 
are  no  chairs  or  bunks,  and  but  few  have 
blankets.  They  do  not  even  furnish  us  with 
a  necessary  allowance  of  wood.  We  receive 
nothing  but  our  rations ;  a  meager  allowance 
I  can  assure  you.  Yes,  we  do  receive 
something  else,  viz.,  execrations  and  curses 
without  measure.  Previous  to  our  becoming 


46  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

the  occupants  of  this  Tartarian  abode,  the  senti 
nel  in  front  of  one  of  the  windows  fired  at  a 
prisoner  confined  in  the  room  now  occupied  by 
us,  the*  one  for  whom  the  shot  was  intended 
observing  the  motions  of  the  guard,  instantly 
dodged  and  thus  escaped  unharmed.  But  the 
ball,  passing  through  and  into  the  room  above, 
there  selected  its  unconscious  victim,  and  with 
out  a  moment's  warning,  launched  him  forth, 
prepared  or  otherwise,  to  appear  before  that 
God  who  knows  every  thought  and  purpose  of 
the  hearts  of  men.  The  commandant  of  the 
prison  is  Major  Thomas  P.  Turner,  of  the  C.  S. 
A.  He  was  formerly  a  student  at  West  Point ; 
but  it  is  generally  understood  among  the  prison 
ers  that  he  was  expelled  from  that  school  for 
forgery.  He  was  subsequently  made  captain  in 
the  rebel  service,  and,  for  efficiency  as  a  great 
Yankee  destroyer,  has  recently  been  promoted 
to  the  rank  of  major.  We  come  in  contact 
with  Major  Turner  more  than  with  any  othei 
of  the  prison  authorities.  He  is  a  man  whose 
character  may  easily  be  gathered  from  his 
countenance ;  for  the  hoof  prints  of  appetite 
have  made  a  lasting  impression  there.  The 
utter  depravity  of  the  man  seems  to  have  gained 
a  full  and  complete  expression  in  every  linea- 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  47 

ment  'of  his  countenance.  To  one  who  looks  at 
the  character  and  capacity  of  man,  there  is 
something  inconceivably  awful  in  its  perver 
sions.  Look  at  it,  if  you  can,  as  it  comes  fresh 
and  plastic  from  its  Maker;  look  at  it  as  it 
stands  before  the  world,  stained  and  hardened. 
Conceive  of  a  living  soul,  with  the  germs  of 
faculties,  which  infinity  cannot  exhaust,  and 
then  follow  it  in  its  dark  passage  through  life, 
as  it  stifles  and  kills,  one  by  one,  every  inspira 
tion  and  aspiration  of  its  being  until  it  becomes 
but  a  dead  soul  entombed  in  a  living  frame. 
Maimed  and  disfigured  by  the  soul's  pollution 
and  war  with  right,  its  humanity  becomes  extin 
guished  in  the  mad  tyranny  of  animal  ferocity. 
Such,  I  conclude,  is  the  character  of  the  man  in 
question.  It  seems  as  though  he  has  no  feelings 
of  humanity.  He  is,  in  fact,  prepared  for  any 
crime  that  could  enlist  the  evil  passions  of  our 
nature.  He  uses  every  means  at  his  command 
for  annoying  the  prisoners.  So  atrocious  are 
his  deeds  that  the  stings  of  conscience  give  him 
no  rest  day  or  night.  He  fancies  that  the  pris 
oners  are  plotting  to  take  his  life,  and  has 
changed  his  quarters  from  the  prison  to  a  build 
ing  across  the  street. 

Oct.  29.  There  is  at  present  much  sickness  in 


48  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

the  hospital.  A  large  number  of  the  prisoners 
captured  during  the  fall  campaign  are  suffering 
most  severely  from  their  wounds.  As  the  rebels 
are  utterly  regardless  of  the  sufferings  of  those 
under  their  charge,  here  the  spirit  of  vengeance 
and  brute  ferocity  is  manifested  in  its  most  ma 
lignant  form.  The  treatment  that  our  officers, 
wounded  and  sick,  receive  at  the  hands  of  the 
Southern  Chivalry  is  most  brutal.  It  would 
chill  the  blood  of  him  not  entirely  bereft  of 
human  feelings  to  witness  such  usage  of  even 
the  dumb  beasts  of  the  forest. 

Nov.  7.  To-day  there  is  an  interval  in  the  un 
easiness  of  t£e  prisoners.  A  flag  of  truce  boat 
is  in.  It  is  now  thought  and  earnestly  "hoped 
that  something  will  be  done  to  relieve  the  suf 
ferings  of  our  prisoners,  both  here  and  on  Belle 
Isle ;  yet,  what  the  result  will  be  time  only  can 
reveal.  It  is  expected  that  Col.  Wm.  Irvine,  of 
the  10th  IS".  Y.  Cavalry,  will  be  assistant  com 
missioner  of  exchange.  As  we  are  h§re  incar 
cerated,  not  knowing  at  what  hour  or  at  what 
moment  we  shall  be  ushered  from  time  to  eter 
nity,  we  can  but  think  of  the  thousands  who 
are  at  home ;  and  when  we  compare  their  con 
dition  with  that  of  the  tens  of  thousands  who 
have  swam  the  fearful  flood,  or  the  many  others 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  49 

who  have  been  in  the  paths' of  the  devastating 
armies,  oh,  what  thoughts  come  crowding  upon 
our  minds.  How  many  there  are  who  know 
nothing,  comparatively,  of  the  magnitude  of  the 
scathing  effects  of  this  war.  Yes,  thousands 
who  are  away  from  the  blood  stained  fields  of 
battle  may  think  it  a  grievous  burden  to  be 
obliged  to  pay  a  small  portion  of  their  earnings 
for  the  support  of  those  who  value  their  lives  as 
naught  in  comparison  with  the  interests  of  the 
nation  and  the  integrity  of  our  government. 
To  such  I  can  only  say,  that  whenever  they  are 
willing  to  exchange  places  let  them  do  so.  Let 
them  submit  to  the  wanton  cruelty  of  debased 
and  infuriated  men.  Let  their  costly  mansions 
be  pillaged  and  burned ;  let  their  property  be 
used  for  the  enemy's  subsistence,  and  their  own 
lives  held  in  jeopardy,  then  I  think  that  the 
howling  of  northern  Disunionists  would  be 
heard  no  more. 

Nov.  8.  For  several  days  past,  my  health  has 
been  very  poor.  I  have  had  an  examination  by 
the  prison  surgeon  and  am  now  in  the  Libby 
Prison  hospital ;  last  night  was  a  severe  one 
with  me.  I  am  afflicted  with  the  scurvy,  chronic 
diarrhoea  and  fever.  These  are  the  prevailing 
diseases  here,  and  from  their  baleful  effects-bun- 


50  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

dreds  of  our  brave  men  are  dying  daily.  It  is 
nothing  more  or  less  than  a  charnel  house  !  We 
are  constantly  in  the  midst  of  the  dead  and  dy 
ing.  I  am  well  aware  that  in  time  of  war,  on  the 
field  of  carnage,  in  camp,  where  the  pestilential 
fevers  rage,  or  in  the  crowded  prisons  of  the 
enemy,-  under  such  circumstances  human  life  is 
but  little  valued.  Yet  there  are  moments  amidst 
all  these  scenes,  when  the  awful  reality  seems  to 
force  itself  upon  the  mind  of  every  man  with 
power  that  can  not  be  resisted.  In  the  midst  of 
these  scenes,  how  often,  with  the  poet;  can  I 
exclaim : 

"  How  much  is  to  be  done !  My  hopes  and  fears 
Start  up  alarmed,  and  o'er  life's  narrow  verge 
Look  down  —  on  what  ?  A  fathomless  abyss, 
A  dread  eternity  !  how  surely  mine  ! 
And  can  eternity  belong  to  me, 
Poor  pensioner  on  the  bounties  of  an  hour?" 

Yes,  often,  when  we  think  not  only  of  our 
suffering  at  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  but  of  the 
demoralizing  effects  upon  our  characters,  we  al 
most  despair.  But  this  is  not  all.  There  are 
other  thoughts — thoughts  of  those  who  are 
away  from  these  sanguinary  fields,  but  whose 
minds  are  turned  towards  their  friends,  either 
in  the  deadly  combat  or  in  the  hands  of  the 
enemy. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  51 

Nov.  9.  Passed  a  very  restless,  uneasy  night  — 
not  suffering  much  to-day  from  pain,  but  am 
very  feeble.  My  blood  is  in  a  very  bad  condi 
tion,  which  is  the  result  of  an  improper  diet. 

Nov.  11.  I  rise  this  morning  weary  and  fa 
tigued.  Sleep  was  impossible  ;  coughed  severely 
at  intervals.  Well,  I  am  here,  in  the  hands  of 
merciless  and  brutal  men.  I  may  as  well  sub 
mit  without  a  murmur ;  for  neither  complaints 
nor  words  of  denunciation  will  avail.  I  must 
abide  the  result,  and  take  my  chance  with  the 
thousands  of  others,  who,  like  me,  are  unfor 
tunate.  In  the  hospital,  we  have  for  breakfast, 
one  small  slice  of  bread ;  for  dinner,  a  table 
spoonful  of  rice,  and  a  very  small  piece  of  meat ; 
for  supper,  we -have  the  same  allowance  as  for 
breakfast.  We  have  no  other  rations,  and  are 
not  certain  that  this  scanty  portion  will  be  long 
continued ;  for  we  know  not  what,  disposition 
they  may  finally  make  of  us ;  but  know,  how 
ever,  that  they  are  prepared  to  do  whatever 
might  best  advance  their  own  interests.  Judg 
ing  from  the  treatment  that  we  receive,  I  think 
we  are  warranted  in  saying  that  there  is  no 
hope  of  their  being  restrained  by  remorse  of 
conscience.  They  will  not  be  checked  in  then 
fiendish  designs  by  the  sentiments  of  humanity. 


52  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

>I  would  that  the  principle  set  forth  by  the  Great 
Teacher  of  mankind  were  introduced  into  the 
practical  lives  of  each  man  and  woman.  Yes? 
were  we  all  to  "do  unto  others"  as  we  would 
that  they  should  "  do  unto  us,"  I  am  sure  that 
these  sad  calamitie^  would  not  be  known. 

Nov.  15.  I  stilL&nd  myself  very  weak,  but  am 
rather  on  the  .gain.  There  will  soon  be  an  ex 
change  of  all  surgeons  who  are  held  as  prisoners 
of  war  here.  There  is  the  wildest  excitement 
imaginable  among  the  gentlemen  of  that  profes 
sion.  The  anxiety,  the  hopes  and  fears,  all  have  a 
strange,  a  wonderful  effect  upon  them.  They  are 
well  nigh  insane.  To-day  I  received  a  communi 
cation  from  Lieut.  S.  H.  Tresouthick,  18th  Pa. 
Cavalry,  through  the  keyhole  of  the  door  which 
once  led  from  this  to  the  lower  east  room,  where 
the  lieutenant  is  at  present  confined.  An  escape 
from  the  prison  is  contemplated,  with  what  suc 
cess  remains,  of  course,  to  be  known.  My  plan 
of  escape,  communicated  to  him,  seems  to  meet 
with  his  approbation.  We  therefore  intend  to  put 
my  scheme  into  operation  as  soon  as  I  am  suffi 
ciently  recovered  to  be  able  to  endure  the  fatigue 
of  walking.  I  am  well  aware  that  an  escape 
from  prison  is  attended  with  much  difficulty  as 
well  as  danger.  Even  should  we  succeed  in 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  53 

breaking  the  enclosure,  we  must  necessarily 
proceed  with  our  lives  in  our  hands.  But  there 
is  scarcely  any  risk  that  we  would  not  gladly 
subject  ourselves  to,  rather  than  endure  the  tor 
tures  of  prison  life.  And  when  placed  in  such 
conditions  men  will  appear,  to  the  careless  ob 
server,  to  be  almost  desperate  in  their  under 
takings.  We  shall  hail  with  rapturous  joy 
the  day  that  we  may  be  permitted  to  step 
again  within  the  Union  lines.  Freed  from  these 
toils,  we  should  be  able  to  throw  ourselves, 
heart  and  hand,  against  the  oppressor's  ranks. 
But, 

"  Oppression  shall  not  always  reign ; 

There  comes  a  brighter  day, 
When  freedom,  burst  from  every  chain, 

Shall  have  triumphant  sway. 
Then  right  shall  over  might  prevail, 

And  truth,  like  heroes,  armed  in  mail, 
The  hosts  of  tyrant  wrong  assail, 

And  hold  eternal  sway." 

Hiurnue    ui     cue    upprcssui  o      wiuugo.       JL  ct     tuc 

time  will  come  when  these  wrongs  shall  be 
compensated.  The  traitor  will  not  go  unpun 
ished  ;  and  the  victim  will  ultimately  find  good 
growing  out  of  evil.  All  that  we  can  do,  is  to 
implicitly  trust  in  the  arm  of  Him,  who  is  the 


54  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

'arbiter  of  all  events.  So,  I  have  full  assurance 
that  somewhere,  either  in  time  or  eternity,  all 
will  be  well. 

Nov.  23.  One  month  ago  I  entered  this  den 
of  torture.  The  prospect  of  an  immediate  ex 
change  having  vanished,  there  seems  to  be  no 
hope,  for  at  least  one  or  two  months  to  come. 
We  can  with  but  slight  certainty  predict  the 
future.  This  is  true,  •  under  favorable  circum 
stances  ;  but  in  these  times  of  doubt  and  uncer 
tainty,  we  truly  know  -not  what  a  day  may  bring 
forth. 

Nov.  24.  The  exchange  of  surgeons  has  finally 
been  accomplished,  and  there  is  now  a  general 
feeling  of  joy  within  the  walls  of  Libby.  Al 
though  we  are  still  destined  to  remain,  yet  it  is 
a  source  of  joy  to  know  that  some  of  our  mem 
bers  are  afforded  the  opportunity  of  leaving 
these  execrable  walls.  Yet  we  cannot  but  think 
that  we  shall  all  be  exchanged  before  long.  The 
surgeons  left  Libby  this  morning  at  about  9 
o'clock.  Received  The  Richmond  Sentinel  this 
evening  through  the  key  hole,  from  a  friend  up 
stairs.  There  is  still  much  talk  about  exchange. 
We  are  all  much  pleased  with  the  prospect, 
though  dim  it  be.  But  the  adage  is  true :  "  A 
drowning  man  will  grasp  a  straw." 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  55 

Nov.  26.  This  is  thanksgiving  day.  We,  of 
course,  can  feel,  and  indeed  are  thankful  that 
our  condition,  even  bad  as  it  is,  is  no  worse. 
The  man  who  lives  as  he  ought,  will  be  thankful 
for  blessings,  in  whatever  form  they  come. 
Yes,  and  if  we  strive  to  live  as  becomes  intelli 
gent  men,  we  must  be  thankful  even  for  adver 
sity;  for  the  Ruler  of  the  universe  knows  all 
our  wants  —  is  familiar  with  the  complicated 
circumstances  that  surround  us ;  and  we,  the 
transient  beings  of  earth,  can  never  grasp  the  de 
signs  of  the  Infinite  —  cannot  say  what  will  tend 
to  our  ultimate  weal  or  final  woe.  True,  we 
will  not  attempt  to  judge  any  one ;  yet  it  seems 
strange  that  these  butchers  of  men,  and  mur 
derers  of  women,  should  have  the  hardihood  to 
turn  to  the  God  of  justice,  and,  amid  all  their 
infamy  and  crime,  with  no  desire  of  right,  and 
no  thoughts  of  repentance,  implore  the  bestowal 
of  His  blessings  upon  their  deeds  of  blood. 
Did  they  manifest  a  desire  of  doing  right,  of  ex 
tending  the  cordial  hand  of  sympathy  and 
brotherhood  to  earth's  afflicted  ones,  of  allevi 
ating  the  wants  and  misery  of  the  perishing 
thousands,  then  we  might  have  some  faith 
in  their  prayers.  But  to  see  men  standing  with 
the  iron  heel  of  tyranny  placed  firm  upou  the 


56  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

necks  of  the  weak,  extend  their  hands,  bathed 
in  fraternal  blood,  toward  the  Infinite  Father 
of  us  all  —  ah !  such  deeds  of  sacrilege  will 
receive  their  deserved  merit.  This  day  has  been 
appointed  by  President  Lincoln  as  a  season  for 
returning  thanks  to  the  Father  of  mercies. 
There  is  no  danger  of  its  being  turned  into  a  day 
of  feasting ;  for  our  stinted  allowance  will  not 
•admit  of  that.  Maj.  Turner  allowed  an  issue 
of  the  remaining  few  of  our  private  boxes  this 
morning,  which  have  been  in  his  possession 
for  the  past  two  months.  They  were  all  broken 
open,  and  were  generally  stripped  of  everything 
which  could  be  of  any  use  to  us.  They  were 
plundered  by  the  common  soldiers  of  the  regi 
ment  doing  guard  duty  here,  under  the  eyes 
and  with  the  permission  of  the  prison  authori 
ties.  "Were  we  among  barbarians,  such  treat 
ment  would  be  nothing  more  than  we  might 
reasonably  expect.  But  among  civilized  men, 
who  acknowledge  that  a  God  of  justice  rules 
among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  with  the  namo 
of  Christian  ever  on  their  lips,  it  is  not  en 
durable  ! 

Nov.  27.  We  are  now  on  the  commencement 
of  another  day.  Rain  seems  to  be  falling  almost 
in  torrents.  We  understand  that  a  few  private 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  57 

boxes  will  be  issued  this  morning.  Yesterday 
I  received  a  letter  from  Capt.  Poughkeepsie, 
A.  A.  I.  G.  to  General  Davies.  I  learn, 
through  him,  that  the  old  brigade,  to  which  I 
was  attached  when  in  the  field,  is  now  laying 
near  Stevensburgh,  Ya.  I  have  also  received  a 
letter  from  Uncle  Abner  Johnson.  The  recep 
tion  of  these  letters,  however,  is  an  unusual 
occurrence ;  for  we  are  seldom  permitted  to 
correspond  with  our  friends ;  and  then  only 
under  the  most  cruel  restrictions.  Our  letters 
are  limited  to  six  lines  of  ordinary  note  paper, 
including  date,  signature  and  address.  They 
are  carefully  criticised  by  the  rebel  authorities, 
and  no  information  concerning  our  true  condi 
tion  is  allowed  to  be  sent.  Every  scheme  that 
could  be  divined  to  outwit  the  rebels  has  been 
resorted  to,  and  successful  to  some  extent;  for 
a  large  number  of  prisoners  have  learned  the 
secret  of  writing  with  invisible  ink,  composed 
of  a  mixture  of  soda  and  water,  which  leaves 
no  impression  upon  the  paper  until  it  is  heated, 
when  it  becomes  quite  distinct,  and  may  be 
easily  read.  But  this  secret  was  at  length  dis 
covered;  it  occurred  in  this  wise.  A  captain, 
writing  to  a  fair  and  undoubtedly  very  dear 
friend,  could  not  brook  to  be  limited  to  only  six 


58  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

lines,  when  he  had  so  much  to  communicate; 
so,  resorting  to  this  mixture,  he  completely 
filled  the  sheet  with  "  soft  and  winning  words  ;" 
and  then,  fearing  lest  his  correspondent  should 
not  discover  the  secret,  advised  his  dear  Dulcinea 
to  read  it,  and  after  baking  it  to  read  it  again ; 
but  the  rebels,  thinking  that  if  there  was  to  be 
any  baking  done  that  they  might  as  well  do  it, 
at  once  proceeded  to  heat  it,  when  lo !  a  blank 
sheet  was  at  once  converted  into  several  close 
and  legibly  written  pages.  You  may  be  assured 
that  our  correspondence  was  most  carefully 
scrutinized,  and  in  the  future  our  letters  will, 
without  doubt,  be  subjected  to  all  manner  of 
tests. 

Nov.  28.  Some  of  our  senior  officers  have 
complained  to  the  prison  authorities  in  relation 
to  our  rations,  but  to  no  purpose.  You  might 
as  well  approach  a  granite  rock,  with  expecta 
tion  of  receiving  sympathy ;  for  they  are  per* 
fectly  hardened  to  all  feelings  of  humanity,  and 
are  only  delighted  with  the  intensity  of  our 
sufferings.  From  the  day  of  our  capture  dates 
a  sad  history  of  privation  and  misery,  far  sur 
passing  in  bitter  reality  anything  which  the  pen 
of  novelist  has  produced.  Eather  than  to  expe 
rience  what  we  have  suffered,  there  are  few  men 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  59 

who  would  not  embrace  a  speedy  death.     Yes, 
death  would  be  to  them  a  welcome  release. 

The  ravages  of  death  are  spreading  most  fear 
fully  among  our  enlisted  men  on  Belle  Island, 
and  in  the  various  hospitals  of  the  city.  Th.e 
authorities  give  no  attention  to  the  burial  of  the 
dead,  except  when  the  keeper  of  the  dead-house 
cries  out  to  the  prison  carter,  "A  load  of 
dead  Yankees ;  drive  up  your  mule."  The 
carter  then  drives  up,  and  takes  in  his  load 
with  as  much  unconcern  as  though  he  were 
drawing  wood  or  other  articles.  It  is  strange 
what  an  effect  war  and  barbarity  will  have  upon 
the  sensibilities  of  man.  Think  of  the  suffer 
ings  caused  by  this  most  unholy  war;  think 
of  the  vast  destruction  of  life  and  property; 
and  all  this,  because  the  slave  autocrats  of  reb- 
eldom  could  not  rule  this  nation  of  freemen 
unchecked.  There  is  an  awful  responsibility 
resting  somewhere ;  and  that  responsibility, 
sooner  or  later,  must  be  met.  For  an  evil,  a 
positive  wrong  cannot  always  exist.  Upheld 
by  foreign  aid,  it  may  for  a  time  seem  to  bid 
defiance  to  truth  and  justice,  but,  sooner  or 
later,  deprived  of  its  support,  it  must  totter  and 
fall.  For, 


60  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

"Truth,  though  crushed  to  earth,  will  rise  again; 

The  eternal  years  of  God  are  hers. 
But  error,  wounded,  writhes  in  pain, 
And  dies  amid  its  worshippers." 

Nov.  29.  Truly,  we  know  not  what  an  hour 
may  bring  forth.  1  have  just  received  a  letter 
from  my  mother ;  but  sad !  sad,  indeed,  is  the 
intelligence.  The  feelings  and  emotions  of  this 
day  will  long  be  remembered ;  for  it  is  the  sad 
dest  day  of  all  my  life.  I  have  just  learned,  by 
letter,  that  my  sister  Elvira  is  dead.  Her  death 
occurred  on  the  20th  of  Oct.,  the  day  after  my 
capture..  I  know  this  to  be  the  common  lot 
of  all ;  that,  sooner  or  later,  without  exception, 
we  must  go.  Yes,  we  must  leave  the  allure 
ments  of  earth  —  friends,  at  that  hour,  cannot 
detain  us.  This  event  brings  to  my  mind  the 
passage  that  has  so  often  lingered  there :  "  How 
complicate,  how  wonderful  is  man  !  " 

"  How  passing  wonder,  He  who  made  him  such! 
Who  centred  in  our  makes  such  strange  extremes. 

»*«»** 
What  can  preserve  my  life !  or  what  destroy  ? 
An  angel's  arm  can't  snatch  me  from  the  grave ; 
Legions  of  angels  can't  confine  me  there." 


The  rebels  are  now  smarting  under  the  severe 
defeat  of  Gen.  Bragg;   and  although  desirous 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  61 

of  keeping  us  in  ignorance  of  our  success,  yet 
we  have  been  able  to  gather  nearly  all  of  the  par 
ticulars.  It  seems  that  Gen.  Hooker,  on  the  24th, 
succeeded  in  carrying,  by  assault,  the  northern 
slope  of  Lookout  Mountain,  while  Gen.  Sher 
man,  cooperating  with  him,  crossed  the  river  at 
the  mouth  of  the  South  Chickamauga.  After 
meeting  an  obstinate  resistance,  he  at  last  suc 
ceeded  in  capturing  the  northern  extremity  of 
Missionary  Ridge.  Owing  to  the  combined 
success  of  Hooker  and  Sherman,  the  enemy 
abandoned  Lookout  Mountain  during  the  night, 
retiring  toward  Chickamauga.  Early  the  next 
morning  the  battle  was  commenced  with  re 
newed  energy  by  Gen.  Sherman,  who  made  an 
assault  upon  the  enemy  at  the  northern  end  of 
Missionary  Ridge ;  but  our  troops  met  with  a 
severe  repulse.  The  field  was  hotly  contested 
with  varied  fortune  until  3  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon,  when  Gen.  Grant,  by  hurling  two  columns 
against  their  centre,  forced  them  back  and 
gained  possession  of  the  ridge.  The  enemy, 
once  routed,  retired  rapidly  toward  Dalton,  Ga., 
being  hotly  pressed  by  our  forces  as  far  as 
Ringold.  The  rebels  admit  a  loss  of  six  thou 
sand  prisoners,  seven  thousand  stand  of  small 
arms,  and  upwards  of  fifty  pieces  of  artillery. 
6 


62  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN. 

They  regard   this   as    one    of  the  severest  de-  ' 
feats   that   they  have   sustained   since   the  war 
began. 

Nov.  30.  Sadness  still  lingers  around  me.  The 
intelligence  of  yesterday  leaves  me  in  very  low 
spirits.  The  weather  is  extremely  cold,  and  the 
sufferings  of  the  prisoners  in  the  upper  rooms 
are  indescribable,  owing  to  the  inclement  wea 
ther.  There  are  no  fires,  and,  as  yet,  there  is 
but  little  prospect  of  their  being  furnished  with 
stoves.  Many  of  our  men  on  Belle  Island  are 
dying  daily  from  exposure. 

There  is  still  much  excitement  in  relation  to 
Gen.  Bragg's  defeat.  Many  rumors  are  afloat 
in  the  papers  concerning  the  extent  of  his  mis 
fortunes. 

Dec.  2.  The  weather  is  still  very  cold.  The 
intensest  suffering  prevails.'  Many  of  the  pris 
oners  have  no  blankets,  and  are  poorly  clad. 
They  are  compelled  to  walk  during  the  night 
time  to  kqep  from  freezing. 

This  morning  we  obtained  the  Richmond  En 
quirer  through  one  of  our  guards.  It  is  thought 
that  Gen.  Meade  will  soon  come  in  contact  with 
Gen.  Lee.  Both  armies  are  now  drawn  up  in 
line  of  battle,  on  opposite  sides  of  Mine  Run. 
The  rebels  seem  to  be  greatly  alarmed  at  the 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  63 

critical  state  of  affairs,  and  we  are  most  deeply 
interested  in  the  result  of  the  movement,  which 
we  earnestly  hope  may,  in  addition  to  the  de 
feat  of  Gen.  Lee  and  the  capture  of  Richmond, 
release  us  forever  from  these  filthy  dungeons. 

Dec.  3.  This  morning  I  read  the  Richmond 
Sentinel,  which  was  passed  to  me  through  a  key 
hole  by  friend  Richardson.  Gen.  Meade  is  re 
ported  to  be  retiring  in  the  direction  of  Freder- 
icksburg.  The  object  of  the  movement  is  not 
understood  here. 

A  small  portion  of  the  clothing  sent  on 
by  our  government  is  now  being  issued  to  the 
enlisted  men  on  Belle  Island.  Col.  J.  M. 
Sanderson,  of  our  service,  is  permitted  to  make 
the  issue.  The  prisoners  are  in  a  state  of  utter 
destitution,  and  the  clothing  cannot  be  dis 
tributed  without  guards  ;  the  poor  boys,  having 
been  so  long  destitute,  and  having  almost 
perished  for  the  want  of  sufficient  covering, 
now  rush  upon  the  party  making  the  issue, 
and  take  such  articles  as  they  need.  There  is 
no  way  of  keeping  them  in  restraint  but  by 
military  force.  There  is  much  misery  here,' 
caused  by  the  disregard  of  justice.  Could  all 
the  corrvption  and  consequent  suffering  be 


(54  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

known,  it  would  be  a  dark  spot  uDon  the  annals 
of  American  history. 

Dec.  8.  The  weather  is  a  little  more  mild 
to-day,  and  I  find  my  health  gradually  im 
proving.  The  greater  portion  of  my  time  is 
now  occupied  in  reading  Napoleon  and  his  mar 
shals. 

I  make  it  a  daily  practice  to  read  the  Bible, 
and  to  commit  a  portion  of  St.  Matthew. 

/There  are  games  of  amusement  among  us, 
which  I  sometimes  participate  in  ;  the  most  popu 
lar  are  chess,  checkers,  dominoes,  and  cards. 
This  evening  I  had  a  game  of  chess  with  Lieut. 
Carter,  formerly  of  Baltimore.  This  was  my  first 
attempt  at  that  game,  and  I  am  very  much  pleased 
with  it.  Were  we  in  different  circumstances,  I 
should  not,  as  a  matter  of  course,  approve  of  de 
voting  to  these  games  time  that  ought  to  be  more 
wisely  improved.  But  situated  as  we  are  here, 
an37thing,  not  pernicious  in  itself,  that  will  have 
a  tendency  to  enlist  for  a  time  the  attention  of 
the  prisoners,  seems  to  have  a  good  effect  upon 
them.  Something  is  needed  to  cheer  and  en 
liven  ;  for  where  a  spirit  of  despondency  settles 
down  upon  a  man,  his  death  becomes  certain. 
Let  his  mind  be  withdrawn,  if  possible,  from 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  (55 

the  sadness  of  his  condition,  and  there  is  relief,. 

an  alleviation  of  his  woe,  temporarily  at  least. 

« 

AN    ESCAPE   AND   ITS    CONSEQUENCES. 

Dec.  12.  Last  night,  Capts.  Anderson  and  Skel- 
ton  made  their  escape  by  bribing  the  guard ;  in 
consequence  of  which  there  has  been  several 
roll  calls  to-day.  The  authorities  have  not  yet 
learned  that  the  guard  was  bribed.  To-day  but 
very  little  wood  has  been  issued ;  and  our  hith 
erto  scanty  rations  have  been  reduced  as  a  pun 
ishment  for  the  escape  of  Anderson  and  Skelton. 
It  seems  to  be  an  established  custom  with  Maj. 
Turner,  to  punish  all  the  prisoners  for  the 
escape  of  a.  single  man  from  his  number;  and 
we  now  expect  the  nxost  cruel  exposure  to  cold 
and  hunger  for  several  days  to  come.  The 
rebels  seem  to  have  no  mercy  for  the  sick  —  no 
sympathy  for  the  distressed  and  suffering  of  the 
human  race.  They  appear  to  have  no  fear  of 
God,  nor  regard  for  man. 


MY  RETURN  FROM  THE  HOSPITAL. 

Dec.  16.  This  morning  all  who  were  able  to 
walk  were  taken  from  the  hospital  by  order  of 
Gen.  Winder.  No  regard  is  had  for  the  wounded 


$6  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

and  sick.  Every  one  who  can  walk  a  mile  in 
twenty-four  hours  is  supposed  to  leave  the  hos 
pital.  Many  who  are  suffering  from  wounds, 
and  dying  with  scurvy  and  other  diseases,  are 
positively  refused  medical  treatment,  and  are 
thus  left  like  brutes  to  perish ;  and  this,  for  no 
other  reason  than  that  there^is  danger  of  their 
making  an  escape.  It  is  heart-rending  to  see 
the  sick  and  wounded  treated  with  such  bar 
barity;  driven  and  compelled  to  walk,  when 
every  step  seems  to  be  the  last  —  Great  God! 
deliver  me  from  the  hands  of  cruel  men  ! 

Dec.  26.  The  prisoners  confined  here  are  di 
vided  into  messes  of  twenty,  and  a  commissary 
is  appointed  to  each  mess,  who  attends  to  the 
issue  of  rations,  and  superintends  the  cooking. 
Cooks  are  appointed  from  the  mess,  and  do  duty 
in  rotation. 

.  EXCHANGE    RUMORS. 

There  is  much  excitement  to-day  concern 
ing  the  exchange  of  prisoners.  Many  conflict 
ing  reports  have  grown  out  of  Capt.  Sawyer's 
letter  from  Maj.  Mulford.  It  is  rumored  that 
thirty  officers  and  five  hundred  men  are  al 
ready  declared  exchanged.  There  seems  to  be 
much  hilarity  among  the  prisoners ;  yet  I  fear, 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  67 

as .  has  been  too  often  the  case,  we  shall  be 
disappointed.  True,  we  cannot  but  feel  great 
anxiety  for  our  release ;  yet  such  reports  have 
been  so  often  afloat,  that  I  can  place  but  lit 
tle  confidence  in  anything  that  may  be  said  in 
relation  to  exchange.  When  we  see  indications 
of  an  actual  exchange,  then  I  think  it  will  be 
quite  soon  enough  for  us  to  "rejoice.  We  can 
only  place  an  implicit  trust  in  Him  who  guides 
and  con  trolls  the  varied  events  of  life. 

Dec.  29.  A  short  time  since  three  captains 
were  sentenced  to  hard  labor ;  and  last  night,  in 
accordance  with  that  decree,  they  were  ordered 
out,  and  will  undoubtedly  go  to  Salisbury,  !N".  C. 

The  event  so  much  desired  by  all  will,  in  all 
probability,  not  transpire,  at  least,  as  soon  as 
we  could  wish,  for  the  exchange,  so  much  talked 
of,  proves  only  a  vain  expectation.  -Tlius  we 
are  ever  the  subjects  of  delusive  hopes. 

Dec.  31.  This  day  closes  up  the  old  year,  and 
soon,  if  life  is  spared,  we  shall  enter  upon  the 
duties  of  the  new ;  and  what  shall  be  the  issues 
of  the  coming  year  none  of  us  can  tell.  There 
is  an  air  of  sadness  observable  on  the  counte 
nances  of  many,  while  others,  thinking  of  the 
festivities  of  other  days,  on  the  occasion  of  this 
anniversary,  seem  desirous  of  celebrating  as 


08  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

they  were  wont  to  do  in  the  more  peaceful  days 
of  .yore.  Many  are  making  preparations  to  have 
a  dance  in  the  cook  room  this  evening.  Even 
ing  advances,  and  with  its  onward  march  the 
dance  ensues.  For  a  time,  the  prisoners  seemed 
to  forget  that  they  were  securely  enclosed  within 
these  inhospitable  prison  walls.  The  merriment 
and  hilarity  still  continued  till  the  old  year  passed 
away,  to  return  no  more.  There  was  the  dance, 
the  lively  time  and  the  national  song ;  and  these, 
for  a  time,  appeared  to  fill  the  hearts  of  all  with 
glee. 

THE    NEW   YEAR   IN   LIBBY. 

Jan.  1,  1864.  Another  year  has  been  ushered 
in  to  mark  an  important  period  in  the  world's 
history.  Its  records  will,  ere  long,  be  fixed  by 
the  historian,  and  posterity  shall  know  the  suc 
cesses  and  defeats,  the  trials  and  sufferings  of 
the  present  eventful  epoch.  Oh !  would,  as  we 
are  now  commencing  another  year,  that  the  veil 
of  futurity  were  once  removed,  that  we  might 
read  our  destiny  in  the  vision  of  future  events. 
But  it  is,  doubtless,  best  that  we  should  not 
know  the  issues  of  the  future.  "  Sufficient  unto 
the  day  is  the  evil  thereof." 

Jan.  2.  The  following  is  the  daily  allowance 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  69 

of  rations  issued  to  us  by  the  prison  authorities : 
About  three-fourths  of  a  pound  of  corn  bread, 
one  gill  of  rice,  and  one-half  pound  of  beef,  and 
a  very  little  salt.  On  such  rations  we  are  left  to 
live  or  die.  Groceries  can  bo  purchased  of  the 
prison  commissary  at  the  following  rates : 

Potatoes  per  bushel, $40  00 

Wheat  bread,  six  ounce  loaves, 1  00 

Butter  per  pound,  10  00 

Lard  per  pound,  8  00 

Sugar  per  pound, 6  00 

Onions  per  bushel, 50  00 

Coffee  per  pound, 10  00 

Teaperpound, 12  00 

Eggs  per  dozen, 6  00 

At  the  above  prices  the  prisoners  may  pur 
chase  the  necessaries  of  life  by  disposing  of 
their  clothing,  rings,  and*  anything  else  of  value 
which  it  may  be  their  good  fortune  to  possess. 

PUNISHMENT    FOR    SINGING    OUR    NATIONAL    SONGS. 

Jan.  24.  I  went  to  the  cook  room  last  evening 
for  a  walk,  and  there  found  about  sixty  prison 
ers,  marching  around  the  room  at  double  quick, 
in  columns  of  fours.  I  fell  in  with  them,  and  all 
commenced  singing  Star  Spangled  Banner,  Rally 
'Rownd  the  Flag  Boys ,  &c.  Maj.  Turner  (rebel) 
came  in  and  said,  we  were  a  boisterous  set  of 


* 

70  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

scoundrels.  He  ordered  us  into  line,  and  marched 
us  to  the  north  end  of  the  cook  room,  where 
we  were  kept  in  a  standing  posture  till  10  o'clock 
P.  M.  The  fires  were  out  early  in  the  evening, 
and  the  guards  were  ordered  to  fire  upon  the 
first  one  who  should  attempt  to  move  from  the 
position  in  which  Maj.  Turner  had  placed  us. 
This  was  the  punishment  for  singing  our  na 
tional  songs.  The  authorities  are  vigilant  and 
oppressive. 

Jan.  28.  Twenty-seven  of  our  number  are 
now  engaged  in  digging  a  tunnel,  under  the 
supervision  of  Col.  Thos.  E.  Rose,  77th  Pa.  Vol. 
It  is  not  generally  known  to  the  prisoners ;  for 
but  few  beside  the  working  party  are,  as  yet, 
admitted  into  the  secret.  The  tunnel  starts 
from  the  cook  room,  passes  down  a  chimney 
into  the  basement,  thence  under  Gary  street, 
and  is  designed  to  terminate  in  a  small  yard 
opposite  the  prison.  A  trowel  and  an  old  piece 
of  a  canteen  are  the  only  implements  in  use. 
The  dirt  is  taken  out  in  bags  and  cast  into  the 
cellar. 

Feb.  10.  This  day  has  been  almost  wholly  oc 
cupied  with  roll  calls.  Maj.  Turner  reports  one 
hundred  and  fifteen  prisoners  missing.  The 
authorities  have  many  wild  conjectures  con- 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  71 

cerning  the  manner  of  escape.  Maj.  T.  is  of 
the  opinion  that  the  guard  must  have  been 
bribed.  Many  of  the  sentinels  have  been  ar 
rested  and  thrown  into  "  Castle  Thunder."  As 
a  matter  of  course,  the  prisoners  feign  perfect 
ignorance  as  to  the  method  of  escape;  although 
it  is  well  known  to  us  that  the  exit  was  made 
through  the  tunnel,  to  which  we  have  already 
alluded.  But  late  in  the  afternoon  the  tunnel 
was  discovered  by  the  adjutant  of  the  prison. 

Feb.  11.  Twelve  of  the  prisoners  who  made 
their  escape  yesterday  have  been  re-captured, 
and  thrown  into  the  cells.  The  tunnel,  through 
which  the  escape  was  made,  is  regarded  a  great 
curiosity  by  the  rebels.  Large  crowds  from 
town  are  here  to  view-  the  wonder. 

Feb.  12.  Sixteen  more  of  the  escaped  prison 
ers  were  brought  in  this  morning  and  placed  in 
close  confinement.  Their  rations  have  been 
greatly  reduced,  and  many  of  them  have  been 
thrown  in  irons. 

Maj.  Turner  allowed  an  issue  of  boxes  to-day, 
which  have  been  in  his  hands  for  the  past  two 
months.  The  scoundrel  had  given  our  govern 
ment  the  assurance  that  all  private  boxes  sent 
on  to  the  prisoners  would  be  immediately  dis- 


72  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

tributed;  but  in  this  case  there  is  not  even 
"  honor  among  thieves."  Most  of  the  boxes 
were  plundered  under  the  eyes  of  the  prison 
authorities ;  and  those  that  were  issued  were 
robbed  of  their  most  valuable  contents.  Twenty 
more  of  the  escaped  prisoners  were  brought  in 
to-day. 

THE   GREAT   TUNNEL. 

Feb.  24/A.  The  great  tunnel  which,  since  the 
escape  of  the  one  hundred,  has  been  the  occasion 
of  so  much  astonishment,  so  much  curiosity, 
was  in  process  of  digging  forty-seven  days. 
The  work  was  under  the  supervision  of  Col. 
Rose,  of  the  77th  Pa.  Vol.  Infantry.  The  col 
onel  was  well  prepared  to  .superintend  the  work, 
for  he  had  served  in  the  Mexican  war,  was 
taken  prisoner  by  the  Mexicans,  and  after  a 
short  confinement  escaped,  by  tunnelling  from 
the  prison  a  sufficient  distance  to  be  clear  from 
the  guards,  He  had  learned  his  apprenticeship, 
and  was  now  prepared  to  manage  and  direct. 
None  were  acquainted  with  the  project  but  Uie 
laborers,  those  who  were  engaged  in  effecting 
the  work. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  73 

THE   PLAN    OF   OPERATION. 

"We  had  succeeded  in  removing  a  number  of 
brick  from  the  side  of  a  large  chimney,  and  by 
placing  a  ladder  which  the  rebels  had  used  in 
raising  the  prison  flag,  in  the  interior  of  the 
chimney,  we  were  enabled  to  descend,  and  there 
by  gain  access  to  an  unoccupied  basement  room. 
This  was  an  under-ground  room,  having  its  sides 
walled  up  with  stone.  By  removing,  a  few 
stones  from  the  wall,  we  were  in  a  situation  to 
commence  the  process  of  tunnelling. 

CONVENIENCES    FOR   PERFORMING    THE    WORK. 

The  only  implements  in  our  possession  for 
performing  the  work,  were  an  old  trowel  and 
half  of  a  canteen.  The  arduous  labor  was  com 
menced  with  the  fragment  of  a  canteen,  but 
with  this,  the  progress  was  so  slow,  that  the 
most  patient  were  almost  disheartened.  For 
tunately  for  us,  a  mason  came  in  to  repair 
the  prison  walls,  and  going  to  dinner  before  he 
had  finished  his  work  left  his  trowel,  which  in 
his  absence  most  mysteriously  disappeared. 
To  him  it  may  have  been  of  but  little  account, 
to  us  it  was  a  God-send.  With  the  aid  of  this 
implement,  we  were  able  to  make  more 
7 


74  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

rapid  progress,  were  greatly  encouraged,  and 
worked  night  and  day  with  ceaseless  energy. 
Two  of  our  number  were  kept  in  the  tunnel  al 
most  constantly.  One,  by  a  vigorous  use  of  the 
trowel  and  canteen,  would  advance  slowly  on, 
placing  the  dirt  in  an  old  blanket,  which  the 
other  would  convey  out  of  the  tunnel  into  a 
corner  of  the  basement  room  whence  the  tunnel 
started.  The  work  was  entirely  screened  from 
rebel  authorities-,  as  they  never  had  occasion 
to  visit  this  apartment,  and  the  aperture  in 
the  chimney  was  carefully  concealed.  We  at 
length  succeeded  in  digging  under  ground,  until 
we  had  passed  beyond  the  line  of  sentinels  sta 
tioned  about  the  prison,  and  then  worked  our 
way  to  the  surface,  leaving  a  passage  just  large 
enough  for  one  man  to  crawl  through  at  a  time. 

EACH    MAN   DETERMINED   TO   BE   FIRST   OUT. 

%  The  prisoners  were  then  informed  of  the  tun 
nel,  and  all  were  jubilant  with  the 'hope  of  es 
cape,  all  hands  commenced  packing  up,  but 
egress  was  so  slow  that  it  soon  became  evident 
to  the  cool  calculator,  that  at  the  best  but  a 
comparatively  small  proportion  of  our  number 
would  be  fortunate  enough  to  take  their  depar 
ture  from  Libby,  before  daylight  would  forbid 


AND  THE  ESCAPE,  '  75 

all  further  attempts  to  breathe  the  free  air  of 
heaven.  Many  then  became  selfish,  and  thought 
only  of  furthering  their  own  wishes;  all  rushed 
for  the  mouth  of  the  tunnel,  each  man  seeming 
determined  to  be  first  out.  By  this  movement, 
the  organization  formed  by  the  working  party 
was  broken  up,  and  the  workmen  who  were  to 
have  had  the  first  opportunity  for  escape,  were 
not  more  favorably  situated  than  those  who  never 
had  borne  a  hand  in  the  digging.  At  the 
mouth  of  the  tunnel  were  hundreds  most  eager 
ly  waiting  their  time.  Through  the  intense 
anxiety,  there  was  a  rush  and  a  crowd,  each  one 
being  eager  to  improve  his  earliest  opportunity. 
Several  false  alarms  occurred,  which  somewhat 
retarded  the  egress ;  but  during  the  silent  hours 
of  night  the  work  went  on,  yet  most  slowly 
indeed,  for  only  one  hundred  and  fifteen  of  our 
number  were  able  to  effect  their  escape. 

THE   EOLL   CALL. 

In  the  morning  all  who  remained  in  Libby 
were  in  their  places  at  roll  call.  The  rebels 
commenced  counting  us  as  usual,  and  noticing 
the  absence  of  a  hundred  and  fifteen,  thought 
there  must  have  been  a  mistake  in  the  count. 
We  were  re-counted  with  the  same  result.  We 


76  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

were  then  all  driven  into  one  room,  and  made 
to  pass  through  a  door  one  by  one,  into  an 
adjoining  apartment,  and  were  there  counted 

with  the  same  result  as  at  first. 

«. 

THE    GUARD   IN    CASTLE    THUNDER. 

The  authorities  were  then  exasperated,  and 
knew  not  how  to  account  for  the  escape.  They 
first  arrested  the  guard  and  threw  them  into 
Castle  Thunder,  thinking  as  a  matter  of  course 
that  they  had  been  bribed.  To  them  it  was  a 
mystery  almost  inexplicable. 

Towards  night,  however,  Lateush,  the  prison 
adjutant,  discovered  the  dark  passage,  the  tun 
nel,  and  this  was  the  greatest  wonderment  that 
could  have  occurred.  Word  rapidly  passed 
among  the  rebels, -  thousands  thronged  to  view 
the  curiosity.  It  received  the  name,  "The 
Great  Yankee  Tunnel."  That  was  the  only 
topic  of  conversation  for  a  number  of  days 
succeeding  the  escape,  it  absorbed  the  attention 
of  all,  and  was  commented  upon  most  largely 
by  the  press. 

KILPATRICK'S  RAID. 

March  8.  Some  of  the  guard,  more  communi 
cative  than  discreet,  have  been  led  to  disclose 


\ND  THE  ESCAPE.  77 


Kilpatrick's  raid.     It 
all  they  know  conce.        ^  learn>  that  an  expedi- 
seems,  from  what  we  ca.       NT.  the  purpose  of  re- 
tion  has  been  organized  iu        ^ond      We  haye 
leasing  the  prisoners  at  Rich^        ,_  a^.  intervals 
heard  the  dull  booming  of  artille.%        our  troops 
during  the  day,  which  prpves  that 
are  already  engaging  the  enemy  in  the  A 
tions.     The   prisoners   are  all   on   the  qm         . 
anxiously   awaiting  the   result;   and   how   aia 
iously  !     "When,  since  the  commencement  of  the* 
war,  has  there  been  so  much  at  stake  ?     Eich 
mond,  to  be  gained  or  lost,  and  with  it  the  free 
dom  of  thousands  of  brave  men,  incarcerated 
in  filthy  dungeons,  and  dying  of  starvation  ! 

OUR   ORGANIZATION. 

We  have  organized  ourselves  into  regiments, 
appointed  officers,  and  made  all  necessary  pre 
paration  for  cooperating  with  our  troops  in 
case  of  a  release,  as  they  are  undoubtedly  pro 
pared  to  supply  us  with  arms.  The  day  wears 
away,  and  still  no  change  in  the  situation  as  we 
can  learn.  Night  comes,  and  the  welcome  sound 
of  artillery  has  ceased,  and  all  are  earnestly  in 
quiring  "  if  it  is  a  repulse,  or  whether  darkness 
has  put  an  end  to  a  conflict  destined  to  break 
forth  with  renewed  energy  in  the  morning?" 


78  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PT 

PEN, 


. 
But  the  rebels  seem  ap 

selves,  and  equally  ap         '  much  in  doubt  as  our- 

March  12.  ~Dur         '  desirous  of  information. 
battle,  we  hav^        ^g  the  last  few  days,  since  the 
from  rebel  •*  learned  some  of  the  particulars, 

Kilpatrir'        sources,  concerning  the  fate  of  Gen. 

j-j.  f        jk's  expedition. 

o.r  rfeems  that  at  Frederick's  Hall  Col.  Dahl- 
<m,  with  about  five  hundred  men,  was  de 
tached,  with  orders  to  move  by  the  way  of 
Louisa  Court  House,  while  Kilpatrick,  with  the 
main  body,  moved  on  Ashland,  thus  threatening 
Richmond  with  two  columns,  destroying  all 
government  property  on  the  line  of  their  march. 
But  a  misfortune,  which  a  military  commander 
in  an  enemy's  country  is  so  liable  to  meet  with, 
thwarted  one  of  the  best  conceived  and  most 
daring  plans  of  the  war. 

NEGRO    GUIDE    SHOT   FOR   PERFIDY. 

Col.  Dahlgren  had  employed  a  negro  as  guide, 
who  betrayed  him  by  leading  in  the  direction 
of  Gouchland,  when  Dahlgren  discovered  his 
mistake.  He  ordered  the  negro  to  be  executed 
for  his  perfidjr,  and,  changing  his  course,  com 
menced  marching  rapidly  upon  Richmond;  but 
the  rebels  were  now  well  informed  of  the  move 
ment,  and  were  op  the  alert. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  79 

DEATH    OP   COL.   DAHLGREN. 

On  his  return,  Col.  Dahlgren  destroyed  the 
Dover  flouring  mills  and  several  private  flouring 
establishments.  He  also  materially  injured  the 
James  River  canal ;  but  in  attempting  to  cross 
the  river  he  was  surprised  by  a  party  in  am 
bush,  who  fired  upon  him,  killing  himself  and 
scattering  his  party  by  the  first  volley. 

Kilpatrick,  deprived  of  the  valuable  ser 
vices  of  Dahlgren,  and  having  also  to  contend 
against  an  enemy  who  were  receiving  large  rein 
forcements  from  Pickett's  brigade  at  Bottom 
Bridge,  acted  the  wise  part,  and  retired  during 
the  night  in  the  direction  of  Mechanicsville. 

The  advantages  gained  from  the  expedition 
seem  to  consist  wholly  in  the  large  destruction 
of  rebel  property,  and  also  in  cutting  the  com 
munication  between  Lee's  army  and  Richmond. 
The  enemy  captured  a  few  prisoners,  and,  o^ 
course,  claimed  a  decided  victory. 

REBEL    MODE   OP   TREATING  RAIDERS. 

The  prisoners  captured  from  the  raiding  party 
are  treated  with  the  greatest  inhumanity. 

The  rebels  evidently  have  not  exhausted  all 
their  resources  of  cruelty  upon  us ;  for  we  arc 


80  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

well  used  in  comparison.  Officers,  enlisted  men, 
and  negroes,  are  crowded  together  in  filthy 
cells,  and  not  allowed  to  communicate  with  the 
other  prisoners.  Their  rations  are  much  less 
than  ours,  and  even  of  a  poorer  quality;  no 
indignity  so  great  as  not  to  be  offered  them. 
At  their  meals,  the  officers  and  negroes  are 
compelled  to  sit  alternately  side  by  side,  to 
prove  to  our  officers  in  what  esteem  they  are 
held  by  the  rebels. 

The  reasons  which  they  assign  for  this  in 
human  and  uncivilized  system  of  torture,  is 
the  destruction  of  public  and  private  property 
during  the  raid,  for  which  they  hold  them  re 
sponsible. 

METHOD   OP   COMMUNICATING   WITH   THE   RAIDERS. 

The  cell  in  which  the  raiders  are  confined  is 
directly  underneath  my  room  ;  of  course,  every 
device  is  used  to  open  communication  with 
them,  that  we  may  get  a  true  history  of  their 
treatment,  and  also  for  the  purpose  of  alleviating 
their  sufferings  as  much  as  lies  within  our  power. 
We  have  succeeded,  by  the  aid  of  a  saw-backed 
knife,  in  cutting  a  small  hole  through  the 
noor,  which  we  have  kept  carefully  concealed. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  81 

Through  this  hole  we  have  furnished  them 
with  a  share  of  such  rations  as  have  been  issued 
to  us.  Some  of  our  number  were  discovered 
by  the  rebels  while  communicating  with  them, 
and,  as  a  punishment  for  this  offence,  have  been 
transferred  to  their  cell.  Henceforth,  this  was 
made  the  penalty  for  any  such  attempt ;  but  its 
only  effect  was  to  warn  us  to  be  more  cautious 
in  the  future. 

Thus  crowded  together  in,  loathsome  dun 
geons,  subsisting  upon  such  rations,  it  is  not 
strange  that  many  of  the  prisoners  are  wasting 
away  in  death;  neither  is  it  strange  that  foul 
and  malignant  diseases  are  constantly  raging 
amongst  us,  transferring  many  rapidly  from 
time  to  eternity ;  but  all  this  excites  no  com 
miseration  from  the  rebels,  for  to  them  it  is  a 
fair  piece  of  strategy.  Is  not  the  Confederacy 
being  rid  of  its  opposers  more  rapidly  in  its 
prisons,  than  by  any  other  means  which  they 
could  devise? 

THE   PRISON    UNDERMINED. 

The  rebel  authorities,  fearing  that  the  next 
attempt  at  our  release  might  prove  more  suc 
cessful  than  the  late  effort  in  our  behalf,  have 
adopted  a  course  in  perfect  harmony  with  their 


g2  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

ideas  of  civilized  warfare.  A  mine  has  been 
dug  underneath  the  prison,  and  filled  with 
several  tons  of  powder ;  this  we  are  told  is  to  be 
sprung  in  case  we  endeavor  to  escape,  or  if  our 
government  should  again  attempt  a  release. 
Such  a  plan  of  wholesale  murder  evinces  a  state 
of  moral  depravity  on  the  part  of  the  authorities 
at  Richmond,  to  which  we  challenge  the  histo 
rian  to  find  a  parallel  in  the  records  of  any 
civilized  nation.  Can  such  a  people,  that  will 
perform  acts  of  this  description,  without  appa 
rent  shame  or  conscious  self-abasement,  be  en 
titled  to  be  called  by  the  mild  term  "  enemies?" 
None  but  the  blackest  of  traitors  could  resort 
to  such  an  -expedient. 


THE   SPECIAL   EXCHANGE. 

March  20.  Sixty  of  our  number  were  paroled 
to-day,  and  taken  to  City  Point  for  the  Con 
federate  officers  brought  down  by  the  Federal 
authorities;  they  are  to  be  exchanged.  Major 
Mclrvin,  of  the  old  regiment,  is  one  of  the  fortu- 
nates.  The  prisoners  are  in  excellent  spirits, 
and  are  universally  afflicted  with  "exchange  on 
the  brain."  Three  boat  loads  have  now  been 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  83 

permitted  to  return  to  God's  country,  including 
many  of  our  enlisted  men  from  Belle  Isle. 

March  22.  The  officers  captured  during  Kil- 
patrick's  raid  are  still  confined  in  the  cell  with 
negroes,  and  the  officers  of  colored  troops,  who 
have  always  been  treated  as  felons. 

I  came  very  near  being  detected  this  morning 
by  Serg't  Briggs,  while  attempting  to  administer 
to  their  wants  through  the  previously  described 
hole  in  the  floor.  I  had  stationed  pickets  about 
the  building  to  warn  me  of  the  approach  of  the 
authorities,  but  the  sergeant  happened  to  be  in 
the  small  room  occupied  by  Gen.  Scammon,  at 
the  time  I  opened  the  hole,  and  hence  the 
reason  that  he  was  not  seen  by  the  men  who 
were  on  the  alert  for  him;  upon  leaving  the 
general's  room,  he  passed  within  six  feet  of  the 
spot  where  I  was  so  busily  engaged  in  putting 
down  corn  bread,  that  I  did  not  notice  his 
presence;  fortunately,  however,  several  prisoners 
who  were  watching  me,  stepped  up  as  the  ser 
geant  passed,  and  interposed  themselves  be 
tween  myself  and  him,  thus  saving  me  from 
sharing  the  fate  of  those  whose  sufferings  I 
have  endeavored  to  lessen,  by  supplying  them 
with  the  necessaries  of  life. 


£4  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

PRISONERS    FROM   PLYMOUTH. 

April  25.  Our  number  has  been  increased  to 
day,  by  the  arrival  of  several  "  Fresh ,  Fish," 
captured  recently  at  Plymouth.  Having  been 
employed  since  their  enlistment  at  that  point, 
they  feel  their  deprivations  and  hardships  much 
more  than  the  prisoners  in  general,  for  the  long 
and  fatiguing  marches,  and  the  necessary  hard 
ships  of  many  campaigns,  have  somewhat  pre 
pared  us  for  greater  endurance,  and  then  in 
the  field  one  learns  many  expedients  for  getting 
along,  unknown  to  a  more  civilized  mode  of 
life. 

It  was  quite  amusing  to  see  how  the  "Pil 
grims"  regarded  their  "position."  Having 
prepared  their  first  rations  in  Libby,  which  how 
ever  poor  they  might  be,  their  long  march  had 
made  acceptable  to  them ;  they  remarked,  that 
there  was  no  suitable  place  for  taking  their 
meals,  and  were  not  a  little  embarrassed  at  the 
merriment  the  remark  produced  among  the  old 
prisoners,  who  had  long  ceased  to  consider 
where  they  should  eat,  but  what?  The  want 
of  bunks,  and  chairs  too,  gave  them  equal  soli 
citude,  and  indeed,  we  who  had  been  long 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  87 

incarcerated,  seemed  by  our  tattered  garments 
and  disordered  appearance  more  fit  subjects  for 
such  treatment,  and  more  in  harmony  with  our 
surroundings. 

Through  the  new  arrivals,  we  are  enabled  to 
learn  some  news  from  our  armies,  and  the  par 
ticulars  of  the  fight  in  which  they  were  captured. 

It  appears  that  they  were  overpowered  at  Ply 
mouth,  and  afte*  repelling  several  desperate 
charges,  were  compelled  to  surrender.  Brig, 
Gen.  W.  H.  "Wessells  was  in  command  of  the 
post.* 

April  26.  Weather  cold  aud  disagreeable.  No 
wood  allowed  in  the  upper  rooms.  Suffering 
intense.  Our  men  on  Belle  Island  are  being 
removed  to  Georgia.  Exchange  stock  low. 

April  27.  Communicated  with  friends  in  the 
hospital  this  afternoon  through  a  knot  hole  in 
the  floor.  My  friend  Calhoun  not  expected  to 
live,  he  is  afflicted  with  Pneumonia. 

April  28.  Exchange  stock  up.  It  is  rumored 
that  there  is  another  "boat  up"  with  prisoners 
from  the  north.  The  terms  for  a  genera]  ex 
change  are  said  to  have  been  agreed  upon, 
Aiken's  Landing  being  declared  the  point  of 
execution. 

April  30.    The  prisoners  are   very  despondent 


gg  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

to-day.  The  rumors  of  the  28th  hist,  appear  to 
have  had  no  foundation.  The  feelings  occasioned 
by  our  disappointment  can  he  better  imagined 
than  described,  but  imagination,  even  in  her  most 
extravagant  flights,  can  but  poorly  picture  the 
horrors  of  this  prison  life.  Our  constant  expe 
rience  is  "Hope  Deferred." 

GEN.  LEE  REPORTED  TO  BE  DEFEATED. 

May  6.  There  had  been  greart  excitement  in 
the  city  during  the  day  concerning  war  matters. 

Gen.  Lee  was  reported  to  have  been  defeated, 
and  to  be  falling  back  to  the  fortifications. 

Several  regiments  passed  through  town  in  the 
afternoon,  on  their  way  to  the  front. 

At  11  o'clock  P.  M.,  we  were  notified  by  Ma 
jor  Turner,  that  we  would  leave  the  prison  in 
one  hour  from  that  time;  and  at  12  o'clock,  the 
adjutant's  clerk,  Mr.  Ross,  commenced  calling 
the  roll.  As  his  name  was  called,  each  prisoner 
passed  from  the  cook  room,  through  the  door 
opening  on  Gary  street,  and  filed  down  between 
two  lines  of  guards,  closing  up  to  those  who  had 
preceded  him,  and  receiving,  as  he  took  his 
place  in  the  ranks,  a  "corn  dodger,"  which  we 
were  told  must  satisfy  hunger  until  another  issue 
could  be  made.  I  could  not  help  rejoicing  at 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  gg 

my  exit  from  the  walls  of  Libby,  for  I  felt  that 
our  condition  could  be  made  no  worse,  while  a 
change  of  base  might  present  opportunities  for 
escape. 

FAREWELL    TO    LIBBY. 

A  few  of  the  prisoners  were  inclined  to  be 
despondent,  and  seemed  to  endorse  the  old 
maxim  of  "Better  bare  those  ills  we  have,  than 
fly  to  others  that  we  know  not  of."  "We  did 
not  leave  Gary  street  until  the  dawn  of  day, 
when  we  moved  down  to  the  first  bridge  and 
crossed  over  the  "James"  to  Manchester,  where 
we  were  packed  into  cattle  cars,  and  started  for 
the  south.  Our  place  of  destination  was  not 
known,  but  supposed  to  have  been  some  point 
in  Georgia. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

ARRIVAL    AT   DANVILLE,    VA< 

May  7,  1864.  It  is  now  late  in  the  evening, 
are  securely  stowed  away  in  cattle  cars. 
The  train  has  just  stopped,  and  we  are  to  remain 
in  our  present  situation  until  morning,  when  we 
are  informed  by  the  rebel  authorities  here  that 
we  shall  be  removed  to  the  military  prison  in 
town.  We  have  had  a  most  disagreeable  time 
on  our  way  from  Richmond.  The  cars  were 
anything  but  clean,  being  occupied  one  day  for 
the  transportation  of  cattle,  and  the  very  next, 
perhaps,  for  carrying  prisoners  into  the  interior 
of  rebeldom,  there  to  endure  new  hardships. 

ESCAPE    FROM    THE    CARS. 

Several  of   our  number  effected    an   escape 

from  the  train  during  the  fore  part  of  the  night. 

Myold  friend  Barse  jumped  from  his  car  while 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC.  91 

iii  motion.  Twenty  shots  were  fired  after  him 
by  the  guard.  It  is  yet  uncertain  as  to  whether 
he  escaped  unharmed  or  not.  The  rebels  boast, 
however,  that  the  d — d  Yank  will  never  at 
tempt  to  make  his  escape  again. 

Many  others  attempted  to  release  themselves 
in  various  ways.  Some  succeeded  through  the 
aid  of  saw-backed  knives  in  hacking  holes  in 
the  sides  of  the  cars,  and  then,  at  the  earliest 
opportunity,  made  their  way  out. 

The  party  with  whom  I  was  confined  were  en 
gaged  in  this  manner,  but,  unfortunately,  our 
work  was  discovered  before  its  completion  ;  and 
thus  the  scheme  was  exposed.  We  were  not, 
however,  easily  discouraged ;  for  what  idea  will 
not  awaken  itself  in  the  mind  of  man  when  des 
tined  to  a  loathsome  imprisonment  ? 

NEW   PLANS    FOR   ESCAPE. 

No  sooner  was  our  work  discovered,  and 
guards  stationed  near  it,  than  we  began  to  con 
coct  a  new  plan  for  escape  ;  which  was  to  disarm 
the  stupid  guard  by  removing  the  caps  from 
their  guns,  and  then  to  dash  past  them  at  the 
first  convenient  opportunity. 

We  succeeded  in  rendering  one  gun  useless ; 
but  the  guard  carrying  the  other,  being  on  the 


92  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

alert,  it  was  impossible  to  uncap  it,  and,  conse 
quently,  we  very  reluctantly  abandoned  our 
cherished  project,  and  turned  to  think,  or  per 
chance  to  dream,  of  "prison  pens,"  "bare  feet," 
"corn  dodgers"  and  "dead  lines." 

C.  S.    MILITARY   PRISON,   DANVILLE,  VA. 

May  9.  After  a  sleepless  night,  spent  in  the 
cattle  cars,  we  were  removed  at  an  early  hour 
this  morning  to  the  military  prison  in  town. 

The  heat  is  very  oppressive  to-day.  No 
rain  has  fallen  since  the  first  of  the  month. 

Our  daily  allowance  of  rations  at  this  prison  is 
as  follows:  One  loaf  of  corn  bread,  weighing 
about  three-fourths  of  a  pound  ;  one-half  pound 
of  bacon,  and  one  pint  of  soup.  No  other  va 
rieties. 

There  is  great  suffering  for  want  of  room.  It 
is  impossible  to  find  a  place  to  sleep  without 
disturbing  some  one. 

We  are  fired  upon  by  the  guard  for  the  of 
fence  of  looking  out  of  the  windows,  as  was 
the  case  at  Libby  Prison. 

I  cannot  see  that  anything  has  been  gained 
by  the  change;  for  we  meet  the  same  stamp 
of  men  here  that  we  left  at  Richmond. 

Danville  is   situated  at   the  terminus   of  the 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  93 

Richmond  and  Danville  railroad,  one  hun 
dred  and  forty  miles  south  of  the  former  place, 
and  four  miles  from  the  southern  boundary 
of  the  state.  It  can  be  easily  defended,  and 
is,  without  doubt,  one  of  the  strongest  natural 
positions  south  of  Richmond.  It  has  a  popula 
tion  of  about  two  thousand  inhabitants. 

There  are  three  large  brick  buildings  on  the 
east  side  of  the  town,  now  in  use  as  military 
prisons.  Previous  to  our  transfer  to  this  place, 
they  were  occupied  by  enlisted  men.  Near  the 
centre  of  the  second  floor  of  one  of  these  prisons, 
my  messmates,  Lieuts.  ISTyce  and  Richardson, 
of  the  old  regiment,  and  myself,  have  chosen  a 
small  spot,  which  we  call  our  portion  of  the 
room. 

SLEEPING  SPOON  FASHION. 

At  night  we  find  it  necessary  to  sleep  spoon 
fashion ;  for,  at  the  best,  large  numbers  are 
compelled  to  sit  up  until  morning,  and  then 
take  the  places  which  others  have  left.  The 
cry  of  "spoon  to  the  right  or  left"  is  a  signal 
for  each  individual  to  turn  in  the  direction  indi 
cated  by  the  speaker. 

There  is  no  military  force  at  this  point,  save 
the  prison  guard,  which  is  commanded  by  Maj. 


94  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

Moffitt,  who  also  acts  as  commandant  of  the 
post. 

We  learn  by  rumor  that  there  has  been  a 
pretty  severe  engagement  between  Grant  and 
Lee  since  the  7th  instant.  It  is  generally  infer 
red,  by  the  uneasiness  of  the  rebels,  as  well  as 
their  disposition  to  curtail  our  privileges,  that 
"Uncle  Bob,"  as  they  familiarly  call  G-en.  Lee, 
has  come  off  second  best. 

May  11.  A  large  tunnel  is  now  in  process  of 
digging,  and,  should  we  remain  here  another 
week,  we  will  give  the  rebels  a  subject  for  re 
flection.  The  mind  naturally  reverts  to  the 
army,  to  home  and  friends;  and  it  is  our  con 
stant  study  to  invent  some  scheme  by  means  of 
which  we  may  be  released.  Could  we  but  hear 
from  our  army,  or  were  we  allowed  to  receive 
letters,  it  would  be  some  satisfaction;  but  no! 
even  this  small  favor  is  denied. 

One  day's  rations  were  issued  in  advance  this 
morning.  We  are  expecting  to  be  sent  farther 
south.  And  thus  we  are  kept  constantly  moving 
into  the  interior  of  rebeldom.  The  papers  are 
not  allowed  in  prison ;  but  it  is  the  prevailing 
impression  among  the  prisoners  that  Gen.  Aver- 
ill  is  making  a  raid  in  this  direction ;  and  hence 
the  reason  of  the  uneasiness  on  the  part  of  the 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  95 

rebels,  and  their  avowed  intention  to  send  us  to 

Georgia. 
"We  are  all  in  high  glee  over  the  possibilities 

of  a  release.  Groups  are  collecting,  and  talking 
over  the  chances  of  success.  Were  so  many 
children  assembled  together  in  anticipation  of  a 
day  of  jubilee,  the  scene  could  not  be  more 
wild. 

The  Star  Spangled  Banner  has  just  been  struck 
up,  and  all  join  heart  and  soul  in  singing  it. 

PROM   DANVILLE   TO    MACON. 

In  Cattle  Cars,  near  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  \ 
Thursday,— May  12.      J 

At  4  o'clock  this  A.  M.  we  were  marched 
out  of  the  prison  at  Danville,  and  again  set 
in  motion  toward  the  south.  We  think  tra 
veling  very  beneficial  to  the  health;  and  one 
not  acquainted  with  the  rebel  mode  of  treating 
prisoners,  might  be  inclined  to  think  that  they 
are  disposed  to  favor  us  in  this  respect ;  for  we 
do  not  seem  destined  to  remain  in  one  place  any 
great  length  of  time. 

It  is  raining  now.  There  is  a  damp,  chilly 
air,  which  is  anything  but  agreeable ;  and  our 
meager  shelter  is  but  little  better  than  none  at 


96  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

all,  as  a  protection  from  the  storm.  The  wind 
drives  the  rain  into  the  Bides  of  the  cars ;  and 
then,  too,  the  roof  is  not  water  r>roof. 


CONSCRIPTS    FOR   LEE'S    ARMY. 

The  rebels  are  apparently  very  much  alarmed 
at  the  state  of  affairs  in  Northern  Virginia.  We 
met  conscripts  almost  every  hour  on  their  way 
to  join  Gen.  Lee's  forces.  After  a  ride  of 
twenty-four  miles  by  rail,  we  were  compelled  to 
leave  the  cars,  and  march  on  foot  to  within  eight 
miles  of  this  place. 

The  roads  were  muddy,  and  our  tramp  by  no 
means  pleasant ;  for  our  long  imprisonment  and 
scant  rations  have  rendered  us  completely  unfit 
for  a  walk  of  half  a  mile  even.  We  suffered 
much  in  attempting  to  keep  pace  with  the 
guard,  who  urged  us  forward  at  -the  point  of 
the  bayonet,  cursing  and  threatening  most  fear 
fully  all  those  that  fell  by  the  way  from  weak 
ness  and  utter  exhaustion.  As  yet,  there  have 
been  no  opportunities  for  escape.  The  guard  is 
very  vigilant.  N"o  prisoner  is  allowed  outside 
of  the  cars,  on  penalty  of  being  shot. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  97 

AN   ATTEMPT    TO    ESCAPE. 

I  attempted  an  escape  this  evening,  before 
we  were  put  into  the  cars,  by  hiding  behind 
a  rail  fence,  but  was  discovered  and  driven 
from  my  place  of  concealment.  I  endeavor  to 
think  that  all  things  are  for  the  best ;  and  my 
present  seeming  ill  success  is  perhaps  a  blessing 
in  disguise;  for  had  I  succeeded  in  escaping 
the  vigilance* of  the  guard,  I  might  have  fallen 
into  worse  hands  were  such  a  thing  possible. 

"We  often  feel  grieved  and  sad  over  the  ca 
lamities  and  disappointments  incidental  to  this 
life;  but  could  we  look  from  a  broader  stand 
point,  we  might  see  that  the  afflictions  of  to-day, 
however  severe,  are  the  greatest  favors  that 
infinite  wisdom  could  confer  upon  us.  There  is 
a  Divinity  that  shapes  our  ends,  rough  hew 
them  as  we  will. 

Near  Charlotte,  N.  C.,  ) 
Friday,— May  13.     [ 

Having  left  Greensboro  early  this  '  morn 
ing,  we  reached  Charlotte  late  in  the  after 
noon,  and  were  marched,  under  heavy  guard,  to 
the  Commons.  We  are  told  that  an  issue  of 

rations  will  be  made  before  leaving  this  place. 
9 


98  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

ENTERTAINING   CITIZENS. 

On  learning  that  there  were  Yankee  prisoners 
in  town,  the  citizens  came  out  in  large  numbers. 
Many  approached  the  guard  line,  and  endeavored 
to  converse  with  us,  but  were  forced  back  *at 
the  point  of  the  bayonet.  We  have  been  en 
tertaining  our  visitors  by  singing  the  Star  Span 
gled  Banner,  Rally  Round '  the  Flag  Boys,  and 
several  other  national  airs. 

I  observed  many  white  handkerchiefs  flutter 
ing  in  the  breeze  during  the  singing,  expressive 
of  "loyalty"  and  delight,  no  doubt,  at  their, 
good  fortune  in  being  permitted  to  hear  what 
they  would  not  dare  give  utterance  to  them 
selves. 

The  rebel  officer  in  command  became  so 
much  enraged  at  their  friendly  bearing  to 
ward  us,  that  he  ordered  out  a  detail  to  drive 
them  from  the  ground. 

PLANS    FOR   ESCAPE. 

There  has  been  much  speculation  among  the 
prisoners,  since  our  arrival  here,  upon  different 
plans  of  escape ;  being  fully  satisfied,  that  if  we 
can  but  pass  from  the  hands  of  the  guard  that 
we  shall  find  little  difficulty  in  reaching  our 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  99 

lines,  aided   by  the  loyal  citizens,  as  we   may 
very  naturally  expect  to  be. 

It  is  no1^  getting  dark,  and  the  guard  is  being 
doubled.  !N"o  rations  have  yet  been  issued.  I 
see  nothing  that  indicates  a  move  from  this 
place  before  morning. 

Columbia,  South  Carolina,  "I 
Saturday. — May  14.      j 

We  left  Charlotte,  under  very  exciting  circum 
stances,  at  1  o'clock  this  morning. 

The  night  being  dark,  and  the  soil  light,  many 
of  the  prisoners  dug  holes  in  the  ground  and 
there  buried  themselves,  hoping  thus  to  escape 
the  vigilance  of  the  guard,  when  we  should  be 
marched  from  the  field  to  the  cars.  Unfortu 
nately,  however,  the  scheme  was  exposed  by  one 
of  the  guards,  who  accidentally  stumbled  into  a 
hole,  in  the  bottom  of  which  he  beheld  a  live 
Yankee. 

Struck  with  astonishment,  he  shouted,  "  O 
my  God !  captain,  here  be  one  Yank  bury  he- 
self  in  the  ground  !  "  A  great  excitement  was 
the  natural  consequence.  A  general  search 
ensued.  Torchlights  were  used  and  the  trees 
and  ground  thoroughly  inspected.  This  inves 
tigation  brought  to  light  several  holes  of  a 


100  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

similar  character,  each  having  deposited  therein 
a  Federal  prisoner.  Our  liberties  were  imme 
diately  curtailed,  and  after  hurriedly  driving  us 
into  the  cars,  we  were  again  set  in  motion 
toward  the  south.  This  place  was  reached  late 
in  the  afternoon.  We  are  to  make  a  brief  halt 
here,  and  then,  as  we  understand,  move  on  to 
Macon,  Ga. 

Augusta,  Georgia,  Sun-  1 
day, — May  15.      / 

Reached  town  at  six  o'clock  this  p.  M.,  and 
were  turned  over  to  the  city  militia,  a  motley 
crowd  of  cowardly  ruffians,  who  seem  to  think 
that  to  be  soldierly  they  must  abuse  a  defence 
less  prisoner  whenever  the  simplest  pretext  can 
be  found. 

The  suffering  caused  by  close  confinement 
is  most  intense.  "We  have  not  been  permit 
ted  to  leave  these  filthy  cattle  cars  since  our 
adventure  at  Charlotte,  and  I  can  see  no  pros 
pect  of  it  before  we  arrive  at  our  place  of 
destination. 

The  son*  of  Gov.  Bradford,  of  Maryland,  is 
the  provost  marshal  of  the  city 

*  This  unprincipled  youth  afterwards  led  a  band  of  guer 
rillas  to  his  father's  residence,  and  with  them  sacked  his  former 
home. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  101 

It  is  still  rumored,  that  we  are  to  be  sent  to 
Macon.  In  all  probability,  the  rebels  intend  to 
place  us  beyond  the  reach  of  assistance  or  res 
cue,  and  for  aught  I  know,  they  may  possibly 
succeed  in  their  attempt. 


CHAPTER  V. 

AT   MACON,  GA.,  CAMP  OGLETHORPE. 

May  17,  1864.  Having  left  Augusta  late  in 
the  afternoon  yesterday,  we  reached  Macon  at 
eight  o'clock  this  morning. 

Since  leaving  Richmond  my  health  has  been 
very  poor,  caused  doubtless,  by  the  various 
changes  to  which  we  have  been  subjected.  At 
times  we  were  packed  in  filthy  cattle  cars  at  the 
rate  of  sixty  to  a  car.  The  doors  were  securely 
closed,  in  consequence  of  which,  we  suffered 
much  for  the  want  of  sufficient  air.  At  other 
times  we  were  in  open  cars,  exposed  to  the 
storm  and  all  the  inclemencies  of  the  weather. 
Several  of  the  prisoners  escaped  from  the  train. 

MACON,    ITS    MILITARY   IMPORTANCE. 

May  18.  Macon  is  situated  on  the  Ocmulgee 
river,  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state.  It  has 
a  population  of  about  ten  thousand  inhabitants. 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC.         1Q3 

It  is  finely  located,  and  at  present  is  one  of  the 
most  stirring  and  important  towns  in  the  south. 
Its  distance  from  Augusta  is  one  hundred  and 
sixty  miles,  and  one  hundred  miles  fiom  At 
lanta. 

Two  papers  are  published  at  this  place,  viz : 
The  Macon  Confederate  and  The  Macon  Tele 
graph. 

MAJOR    TURNER   AT    MACON. 

On  our  arrival  here  at  the  prison  pen,  whom 
should  we  find  but  Maj.  Thomas  P.  Turner, 
the  fiend  incarnate  from  Libby  Prison.  This 
human  (?)  monster  stood  at  the  gate  to  count 
us  as  we  passed  in.  To  his  astonishment,  forty- 
seven  of  our  original  number  were  missing,  all 
of  whom  escaped  from  the  cars. 

The  insufferable  den  in  which  we  are  con 
fined  is  about  eighty  rods  east  of  the  city, 
and  embraces  a  little  more  than  two  acres  of 
ground,  -enclosed  by  a  high  stockade  fence, 
within  which  is  the  dead  line,*  about  sixteen 
feet  distant  from  the  stockade.  It  is  denomi- 

*  It  is  ail  ordinary  picket  fence,  three  and  a  half  feet  high. 
In  many  prison  pens  of  the  south  it  is  only  a  line  of  stakes, 
and  sometimes  a  single  board  nailed  to  posts. 


104  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

nated  the  "dead  line/'  as  it  marks  the  limits 
of  the  camp;  and  any  attempt  to  cross  it  is 
death,  or  at  least  a  shot  from  the  guard. 

NEW  ARRIVALS. 

May  20.  This  morning,  one  hundred  and 
seven  officers  from  Gen.  Grant's  army  arrived 
here,  to  take  up  their  abode  in  the  prison  pen. 
Among  the  number  are  Generals  Shayler  and 
Seymour.  The  "fresh  fish"*  give  us  much 
information  respecting  the  movements  of  our 
armies. 

There  are  at  present  about  twelve  hundred 
of  our  officers  confined  here,  four  hundred 
of  whom  were  captured  since  the  commence 
ment  of  the  campaign  in  frcait  of  Richmond. 

TIRING   UPON    A   PRISONER. 

Lieutenant  H.  P.  Barker,  1st  E.  I.  Cavalry, 
was  fired  .upon  this  morning  by  one  of  the  sen 
tinels,  a  boy  not  more  than  fourteen  years  old. 
It  is  alleged  by  the  guard,  that  Lieut.  B.  had  his 

*  The  first  six  months  of  prison  life,  one  is  called  a  "Fresh 
Fish;"  the  next  four  months,  a  "Sucker;"  the,  next  two 
months,  a  "Dry  Cod;"  the  balance  of  Ms  time,  a  "Dried 
Herring  ;"  and  after  exchange,  a  "Pickled  Sardine." 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  105 

hands  on  the  "dead  line,"  though  it  is  ft  well 
known  fact  fhat  he  was  not  within  16  feet  of  it. 

The  authorities  have  not,  as  yet,  provided  us 
with  quarters.  A  few  of  the  prisoners  have 
blankets,  which  they  use  for  a  shelter;  but  most 
of  our  number  have  no  means  of  protecting 
themselves  from  the  scorching  sun  or  the  inhos 
pitable  storm. 

*May  22.  Our  daily  allowance  of  rations  at 
this  pen  is  as  follows:  Corn  meal,  one  pint; 
bacon,  one  fourth  of*  a  Ib. ;  rice,  one  oz. ;  peas 
or  beans,  one  oz. ;  salt,  one  table-spoonful  for 
four  days. 

We  have  no  cooking  utensils  except  a  few 
iron  skillets.  The  beans  furnished  here  are 
wholly  unfit  for  use.  The  rations  issued  are 
about  one  half  of  what  we  really  need. 

In  this  prison,  and  also  at  Andersonville,  the 
mortality  is  fearful.  Hundreds,  yes,  thousands 
starved,  murdered  by  cruel  tyrants.  The  mea 
gre  fare,  exposure  to  the  inclemency  of  the 
weather,  and  necessary  inactivity,  are  the  causes 
of  such  frightful  consequences. 

It  is  hard  to  witness  the  inroads  of  death, 
and  its  ravages,  even  when  skill  and  care  are 
given  to  the  dying, —  it  is  hard  to  stand  by  the 
death  bed,  and  there  witness  the  last  ebbing  of 


106  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

life  as  it  departs,  leaving  behind  the  inanimate 
clod  of  earth.  But  what  is  this  compared  with 
death  in  its  most  ghastly  form,  by  starvation,  by 
exposure  to  the  inclement  atmosphere,  and  by 
every  kind  of  inhuman  treatment.  Each  day 
death  calls  for  an  hundred, —  a  hundred  at  a 
blow. 

May  29.  This  morning  we  received  notice 
from  the  rebel  authorities,  through  Capt.  W. 
Kemp  Tabb^  present  commandant  of  the  prison, 
that  in  the  future,  all  prisoners  not  in  ranks  at 
roll  call,  will  be  shot  down  by  the  sentinels  on 
the  guard  line.  We  have  also  received  orders 
to  take  our  boards  and  blankets  from  the 
ground.  The  probable  reason  of  this  vigilance 
is,  that  they  have  discovered  several  tunnels 
which  we  had  commenced,  and  were  carrying 
forward  as  fast  as  possible. 

Our  plan  of  operation  was  as  follows :  select 
a  bunk  in  some  shed  near  the  "  dead  line ; "  sink 
a  hole  or  "  well  "  as  we  termed  it,  straight  down 
to  the  depth  of  five  or  six  feet,  then  start  the 
tunnel  proper  towards  the  stockade,  under 
which  it  passed. 

But  one  man  could  dig  at  a  time,  and  as  the 
work  was  very  fatiguing,  we  relieved  each  other 
often. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE. 

The  dirt  was  brought  to  the  mouth  of  the 
hole  in  meal  sacks,  which  had  been  stolen  from 
the  ration  wagon. 

Two  or  three  were  detailed  to  carry  off  the 
dirt  to  the  sinks. 

We  usually  commenced  operations  after  ten 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  and  continued  until 
nearly  daylight. 

Upon  leaving  the  tunnel,  a  board  was  fitted 
in  about  a  foot  from  the  surface,  and  then  dirt 
was  swept  over  so  as  to  obliterate  all  traces  of 
the  digging. 

From  sixteen  to  twenty  days  were  thus  re 
quired  to  finish  the  narrow  road  to  liberty. 
Fires  were  bliilt  by  the  guard  at  short  intervals, 
between  the  dead  line  and  stockade,  completely 
encircling  the  camp,  so  that  the  tunnels  had  to 
be  carried  a  great  distance,  in  order  to  have 
the  place  of  egress  as  safe  as  possible. 

If  the  work  could  have  been  completed,  we 
should  have  chosen  some  dark  and  stormy  night 
to  remove  the  slight  cap  of  earth,  at  the  outer 
extremity  of  the  subterranean  channel,  and 
then  stealing  out  cautiously,  so^  as  not  to 
attract  the  attention  of  the  vigilant  sentinel,  we 
would  have  made  for  the  woods  and  swamps. 


10 


110  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

Those  who  had  done  the  digging,  were  to 
have  had  the  first  opportunity  to  pass  out,  and 
then  as  many  more  were  to  go,  as  could  get 
through  the  tunnel  before  daybreak. 

Our  plan  was  a  good  one,  and  we  felt  confi 
dent  that  it  would  prove  a  perfect  success,  until 
the  eve  of  its  completion,  when  either  some 
cowardly  traitor  in  our  midst,  or  a  detective, 
sent  in  by  the  authorities,  exposed  the  scheme, 
and  thus  blighted  our  brilliant  prospects. 

UNPLEASANT   CONSEQUENCES. 

The  result  of  this  attempt  to  reach  "  God's 
country,"  is  a  reduction  of  rations,  and  a  resort 
to  every  restriction  which  could  possibly  be 
conceived  by  a  rebel. 

While  in  Libby,  I  imagined  that  the  deeds  of 
villainy  were  well  nigh  exhausted, —  I  had 
thought  that  the  catalogue  of  crime  was  nearly 
filled  by  the  Confederate  miscreants,  but  alas ! 
you  have  only  to  see  the  heartlessness  and  the 
intrigues  of  the  authorities  here, —  you  have 
only  to  witness  the  suffering,  the  frenzy  and  the 
fever,  and  you  will  then  say,  that  these  are  the 
deeds  of  pitiless  monsters. 

The  machinations  of  cruelty  are  still  permitted 


AND  THE  ESCAPE. 

to  go  on,  and  the  deeds  of  villainy  are  yet  per 
petrated  against  the  Union  prisoners.  We  may 
well  exclaim,  How  long?  oh!  how  long,  shall 
this  continue? 

MURDER    OF    LIEUT.    GRIERSON. 

June  11.  At  9  o'clock  this  evening,  Lieut- 
Otto  Crierson,  95th  .N".  Y.  Vols.,  was  shot 
and  mortally  wounded  by  a  sentinel  on  the 
stockade.  It  is  asserted  by  the  sentinel,  that 
the  lieutenant  was  in  the  act  of  making  his  es 
cape,  by  crawling  up  the  creek  to  the  "  dead 
line,"  preparatory  to  passing  under  the  stockade; 
but  those  who  were  nearby,  and  saw  the  affair 
as  it  occurred,  said  that  he  was  not  in  the  creek 
at  all,  and  that  he  was  at  least  sixteen  feet  from 
the  "fatal  line." 

The  lieutenant  was  at  the  spring  where  we 
are  accustomed  to  bathe,  and  while  there  for 
that  purpose,  was  murdered  by  the  wretch, 
whose  name  we  have  not  yet  learned.  "We  shall 
mark  him  if  we  are  ever  permitted  to  catch  a 
glimpse  of  his  cowardly  phiz  in  daylight.  I  had 
just  left  the  spring  with  water,  previous  to  the 
discharge  of  the  sentry's  musket. 

We  called  upon  Capt.  Gibbs,  the  prison  com- 


112  THE  CAPTURE,  T£E  PRISON  PEN, 

mandant,  informed  him  of  the  facts,  and  re 
quested  an  investigation,  but  were  turned  away 
with  no  satisfactory  answer,  or  rather  with  the 
understanding,  that  we  need  not  expect  any 
thing  in  that  direction.  But  the  villain  who 
perpetrated  the  deed  was  promoted  to  a  ser 
geant,  and  given  a  furlough,  for  his  fidelity  and 
promptness  in  the  execution  of  orders. 

Here  goes  another  of  our  number,  murdered 
in  cold  blood,  at  the  hands  of  a  traitor. 

June  22.  Capt.  Gibbs  proposes  to  allow  us  the 
privilege,  as  he  is  pleased  to  term  it,  of  choosing 
delegates  to  solicit  of  the  authorities  at  Rich 
mond  an  opportunity  to  visit  our  enlisted  men 
at  Anderson  ville,  for  the  purpose  of  reporting 
their  condition  to  our  authorities  at  Washington.* 
.  The  fact  is,  if  the  truth  were  known,  the  reb 
els  seem  desirous  of  placing  a  weapon  in  the 
hands  of  the  peace  party  at  the  north,  whereby 
the  cause  of  the  Unionists  may  be  defeated. 

Confederate  officers  and  citizens  are  allowed 
to  visit  us  frequently.  They  represent  to  us, 
and  would  gladly  have  us  believe,  that  they  are 

*  The  representations  they  propose  to  make  are,  "  that  the 
awful  suffering  of  our  men  in  southern  prisons  is  caused  by  a 
change  of  climate  and  the  hopelessness  of  exchange." 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  113 

doing  all  in  their  power  to  make  our  situation 
comfortable  and  agreeable. 

They  repeatedly  affirm  that  the  non-exchange 
of  prisoners  is  due  entirely  to  the  fault  of  our 
government.  In  short,  they  are  very  anxious 
to  have  us  send  a  deputation  to  Washington,  for 
the  purpose  of  placing  before  President  Lincoln 
and  the  administration  the  horrid  condition  of 
our  men  in  southern  prisons,  and  to  ask  an  im 
mediate  general  exchange  of  prisoners,  claim 
ing,  as  a  matter  of  course,  that  they  are  doing 
all  they  possibly  can  for  us. 

In  accordance  with  their  entreaties,  we  have 
held  a  meeting,  but  the  result  is  quite  unsatis 
factory  to  the  rebels  ;  for  we  have  most  firmly 
resolved  never  to  become  agents  in  advancing 
the  interests  of  the  southern  cause,  even  though 
our  sufferings  be  increased  a  hundred  fold. 

I  am  perfectly  satisfied  that  there  has  been 
no  time  since  the  beginning  of  the  war  when 
the  rebels  could  not  have  given  their  prisoners 
an  abundance  of  corn  meal  and  bacon,  were 
they  so  disposed ;  and  from  observation  I  know 
that  they  could  have  furnished  lumber,  to  pro 
vide  us  with  more  comfortable  quarters.  With 
such  facts,  glaring  and  palpable  as  they  arc, 


114  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

could  we,  as  men,  yield  to  their  base  intrigues 
to  further  their  fiendish  designs  ?  No !  not 
while  reason  holds  her  sway. 


NEW   TUNNELS. 

The  camp  was  searched  to-day  by  order  of  the 
prison  commandant,  and  the  three  tunnels 
which  have  been  in  process  of  digging  for  the 
past  fifteen  days  were  discovered.  Had  it  not 
been  for  this  misfortune,  many  of  us  would  have 
bid  farewell  to-morrow  night  to  this  field  of 
suffering. 

Doubtless  some  detective  from  the  outside 
exposed  the  scheme.  ISTever  was  I  more  disap 
pointed  than  in  this  misfortune ;  for  our  plan 
was  a  good  one.  The  tunnels  were  large,  and 
it  was  estimated  that  nearly,  if  not  quite  all  of 
the  prisoners  could  pass  through  them  in  a  sin 
gle  night. 

We  had  looked  forward  with  the  deepest 
anxiety  to  what  we  felt  assured  would  be  the 
happy  termination  of  our  labors ;  but  alas ! 
when  it  seemed  that  we  were  about  to  reap  the 
promised  reward,  like  the  mirage,  it  vanished 
in  the  distance. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE. 

The  following  order  appears  upon  the  bulle 
tin  board  this  morning : 

C.  S.  MILITARY  PRISON,  MACON,  GA., 
June  27th,  1864. 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  9. 

Sentinels  are  instructed  to  shoot  down  all 
prisoners  in  the  future  who  are  seen  moving 

about  camp  after  tapps. 

GEO.  C.  GIBBS, 
Captain  Commanding. 

The  guards  appear  delighted  to  receive  orders 
of  such  a  character,  and  seem  to  find  real  con 
solation  in  having  the  privilege  of  firing  upon 
us  on  the  most  trivial  pretext. 

Insatiate  cormorants  !  for  I  cannot  use  a  more 
appropriate  term.  A  thirst  for  blood  seems  to 
characterize  their  conduct.  But  this  is  no  more 
than  might  be  expected  from  those  who  had  the 
nurture  and  training  that  they  have  had.  For 
an  oligarchy,  founded  on  slavery  as  its  chief  cor- 
ner  stone,  must  engender  characters  fully  pre 
pared  to  commit  the  darkest  crime  that  may 
threaten  a  nation's  life,  trained  up  from  youth 
to  tyrannize  over  a  degraded  people.  They  have 
no  sense  of  justice,  founded  deep  in  the  princi 
ples  of  human  nature. 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 


SCURVY. 

Scurvy  is  now  becoming  fearfully  prevalent 
in  our  midst.  Chronic  diarrhoea  is  also  sweep 
ing  off  its  victims  by  tens  and  twenties.  It  is 
almost  impossible  to  get  treatment  for  either. 
Large  numbers,  who  are  afflicted  with  the  for 
mer  disease,  may  be  seen  every  day  burying 
themselves  up  in  the  ground,  as  the  earth  has 
a  tendency  to  check  its  frightful  ravages. 

Much  to  my  disgust,  I  found,  on  the  morning 
of  the  25th,  that  this  loathsome  affliction  had  at 
last  got  hold  of  me.  I  had  been  hoping  that  it 
would  pass  me  by  in  its  visitations,  but  it  is 
unquestionably  present  in  my  limbs.  I  at 
tended  sick  call  this  morning,  and  was  prescribed 
for  by  the  surgeon  the  first  time  since  we  left 
Richmond.  I  shall  not  make  any  effort  to  get 
into  the  Irospital,  for  I  am  confident  that  it  is 
much  better  to  remain  in  camp,  among  my 
friends,  where  they  can  administer  to  my  wants, 
than  to  go  where  the  prisoner  can  expect  but 
little  sympathy,  or  anything  else  that  might 
have  a  tendency  to  rid  him  of  disease  or  recruit 
his  wasted  strength. 

It  is  not   strange  that  the  term   hospital  has 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  H7 

become  synonymous  with  death;  for  but  few 
who  enter  it  ever  come  out  alive.  When  a 
man  is  seen  leaving  camp  in  a  blanket,  it  is 
thought  that  he  is  past  help ;  and  if  he  is  for 
tunate  enough  to  return  to  his  fellows,  it  is  con 
sidered  an  exceptional  case. 

Deaths  have  been  very  frequent  since  the 
warm  weather  came  on.  Several  went  to  their 
long  homes  last  night.  We  call  it  being  "ex 
changed;"  and  it  certainly  is  a  happy  transform 
ation  from  so  much  misery  and  wretchedness  on 
earth  to  a  life  of  eternal  joy  in  the  bright  realms 
above.  "We  cannot  sigh  for  such,  but  only 
rejoice  that  their  cares  and  misfortunes  are 
ended.  It  is  not  wonderful  that  they  should 
feel,  in  their  last  moments,  that 

"  I  would  not  live  alway  —  I  joy  in  the  trust, 
That  when  this  frail  form  shall  return  to  the  dust,    . 
My  spirit  shall  rise  on  the  wings  of  thy  love, 
To  seek  its  true  home  in  the  mansions  above." 

FOURTH  OF  JULY. OUR  CELEBRATION. 

We  had  several  roll  calls  this  morning.  The 
prison  authorities  seem  to  be  very  fearful  lest 
we  attempt  a  general  escape. 

Immediately  after  the  roll  call  a  large  meeting 
was  organized.  Captain  Todd,  8th  New  Jersey 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

Infantry,  displayed  a  small  silk  flag  four  by  six 
inches,  which  had  been  presented  to  him  by 
Miss  Paradise,  of  Jersey  City,  and  which  had 
thus  far  escaped  the  vigilance  of  southern  relic 
seekers.  The  miniature  "Star  Spangled  Ban 
ner"  was  hailed  with  rounds  of  cheers,  which 
showed  that  they  came  from  loyal  hearts. 

We  then  adjourned  to  the  large  building 
occupied  by  the  general  and  field  officers,  where 
Chaplain  Dixon,  16th  Connecticut  Volunteers, 
opened  the  exercises  with  prayer.  Capt.  Ives, 
Lieut.  Ogden,  1st  Wisconsin  Cavalry ;  Capt. 
Lee,  5th  Michigan  Cavalry ;  Lieut.  Kellogg, 
Chaplain  Whitney,  104th  Ohio ;  Chaplain  Dix 
on,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Thorpe,  1st  New  York  Dra 
goons,  then  followed  with  speeches  and  toasts, 
interspersed  with  national  songs,  while  far 
above  our  heads,  attached  to  a  long  pole  was 
the  emblem  of  freedom,  the  "Red,  White  and 
Blue." 

Although  in  prison,  and  held  here  by  those 
who  ought  always  to  have  regarded  the  people 
of  the  north  with  a  brotherly  kindness,  who 
never  should  have  raised  the  recreant  hand  of 
treason  against  the  government  established  by 
our  common  fathers  and  sealed  with  their  blood, 
yet,  under  these  circumstances  even,  we  could 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  119 

not  repress  the  feelings  which  spontaneously 
arose  in  every  breast.  ~No  I  we  shall  celebrate 
with  joy  the  propitious  day  when  we  eluded  the 
British  Lion. 

We  shall  celebrate  that  glorious  day  and  "live 
or  die,  survive  or  perish,"  we  shall  give  a  hearty 
support  to  those  stars  and  stripes — the  banner 
of  the  free,  that  has  so  long  waved  over  our 
heads,  and  for  which  we  are  now  contending. 

Whilst  we  were  listening  to  a  spirited  oration 
from  Col.  Thorpe,  appropriate  to  the  day,  whose 
voice  was  only  heard  by  those  within  the  prison 
walls,  where  no  treason  could  be  uttered  that 
might  be  so  regarded  by  the  outside  Confederate 
partisans ;  yet  in  the  exercise  of  his  "  little  brief 
authority,"  the  rebel  commandant  of  the  prison, 
Capt.  Gibbs,  deemed  it  necessary  to  march  in  a 
regiment  of  troops,  ordering  the  assemblage  to 
disperse,  which  was  accordingly  done.  This  is 
a  fair  specimen  of  Southern  Chivalry  carried 
out. 

Col.  Thorpe  having  been  for  some  time  past 
in  command  of  the  interior  of  the  camp,  by 
virtue  of  his  being  the  senior  officer  here,  was 
relieved  from  duty  by  the  following  order : 


120  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

C.  S.  MILITARY  PRISON,  MACON,  GA.,  "I 
July  4th,  1864.      / 
SPECIAL  ORDERS  No.  6. 

I.  Lieut.  Col.  Thorpe  is  relieved  from  duty  as 
senior  officer  of  this  prison,  for  a  violation  of 
prison  rules,  and  Lieut.  Col.  McCrary  will  again 
assume  that  position. 

II.  The  same  order  and  quiet  will  be  observed 
on  this  day  as  on  any  other. 

III.  A  disregard    to  this  order  may  subject 
offenders  to  unpleasant  consequences. 

GEO.  C.  GIBBS, 
Captain  Commanding. 

SKIRIVHSHING. 

It  matters  but  little  how  delicate  an  officer 
may  have  been  at  first,  in  his  views  of  such  an 
apparently  loathsome  operation  in  the  presence 
of  others,  he  becomes  reconciled  after  a  brief 
sojourn  in  a  southern  military  prison. 

The  cars,  camps,  and  prison  pens  are  literally 
alive  with  the  little  "  grey  backs ;"  and  it  is 
only  by  a  constant  and  thorough  examination 
of  under  e^thing  that  one  can  possibly  find 
rest  from  their  personal  attacks. 


4ND  THE  ESCAPE. 

Hot  water  and  soap  kills  them  ;  but  the  latter 
is  issued  in  such  small  quantities,  and  so  seldom, 
as  to  be  of  but  little  avail. 

Again  we  have  no  conveniences  for  heating 
water,  save  the  small  kettles,  which  a  few  of  the 
prisoners  are  fortunate  enough  to  possess  for 
cooking  purposes. 

Still  another,  and  our  greatest  difficulty  is 
want  of  a  sufficient  amount  of  clothing. 

"What  little  was  spared  us  of  our  former  ward 
robes,  at  the  time  of  capture,  has  been  worn  out 
during  a  long  imprisonment. 

Washerwomen  know  that  rubbing  old  gar 
ments  hurries  them  to  an  irreparable  dissolution  ; 
and  prisoners  of  war  have  learned  the  same  fact. 

Therefore,  as  a  matter  of  economy,  we  seldom 
wash  our  clothing;  and  then  only  to  prevent 
filth. 

Tell  me  not,  in  mournful  number, 

Prison  life  is  but  a  dream ; 
'Tis  but  little  we  can  slumber  — 

Swarms  of  lice  in  eyery  seam. 

July  6.  Heat  intense.  E"o  rain  since  the  early 
part  of  last  month.  I  am  suffering  with  chronic 
diarrhoea  at  present,  but  shall  not  endeavor  to 
get  into  the  hospital  while  I  have  a  friend  left 

in  camp. 

11 


122  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

July  7.  I  am  no  better  to-day.  Have  not 
tasted  of  my  rations  since  the  fifth. 

July  8.  Crawled  down  to  the  creek  in  the 
forenoon,  near  which  I  lay  until  evening. 

A  fellow  prisoner  recommended  me  to  chew 
white  oak  bark  for  my 'complaint,  and  has  per 
suaded  me  to  try  the  experiment.  .He  has  very 
kindly  placed  three  pieces  of  the  said  bark  at 
my  disposal,  which  he  stripped  from  an  old  tree 
that  stands  within  the  enclosure.. 

July  9.  I  am  very  weak  to-day  ;  cannot  walk 
without  assistance.  Am  inclined  to  think  that 
chewing  bark  will  not  effect  a  cure  in  my  case. 

July  12.  I  am  still  very  low  with  chronic  diar 
rhoea,  but  think  I  shall  recover,  as  my  health 
seems  to  be  improving  at  present. 

THE    AUTHOR    SELLS    HIS   BUTTONS    TO    SAVE    LIFE. 

Brass  buttons  being  in  great  demand  with 
the  rebels,  I  pulled  the  remaining  few  from  my 
old  coat  yesterday,  and  sold  them  to  one  of  the 
guards  for  ten  dollars,  and  with  that  sum  pur 
chased  five  loaves  of  wheat  bread,  which  will 
last  me  six  or  seven  days  if  used  sparingly. 

I  have  not  touched  my  corn  meal  for  a  long 
time,  my  stomach  being  entirely  too  weak  to 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  123 

endure  such  a  coarse  diet,  and  the  consequence 
is,  that  I  am  reduced  by  starvation  to  a  mere 
skeleton. 

I  think  that  my  flour  bread  will  have  the 
desired  effect  of  checking  my  summer  com 
plaint,  and  recruiting  my  strength. 

I  should  have  disposed  of  my  buttons  long 
ere  this,  had  I  not  thought  that  I  might  see  a 
day  of  greater  need,  but  decided  at  last,  that  if 
I  would  remain  above  the  sod,  that  I  must  part 
with  my  reserves,  and  considered  myself  ex 
ceedingly  fortunate  in  finding  a  ready  purchaser. 

My  friends  have  been  very  kind  during  my 
illness,  and  are  still  untiring  in  their  efforts  to 
keep  me  among  the  living. 

July  16.  Health  improving.  It  is  affirmed  by 
the  authorities,  that  there  will  be  a  general  ex 
change  of  prisoners  on  the  24th  of  the  present 
month.  The  " fresh  fish"  are  troubled  with  an 
affliction  known  to  the  old  prisoners  as  "  ex 
change  on  the  brain." 

July  27.  Six  hundred  prisoners  were  counted 
out  of  the  enclosure  this  evening ;  their  desti 
nation  supposed  to  be  Charleston,  where  they 
will  doubtless  be  placed  under  fire  of  our  guns 
on  Morris  Island,  as  were  the  field  officers  sent 
thither  during  the  early  part  of  last  month. 


124  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

This  is  a  most  singular  method  of  defending 
a  besieged  city  against  its  enemies,  arid  illus 
trates,  to  some  extent,  the  character  of  a  people 
that  would  like  to  be  "  let  alone,"  while  attempt 
ing  to  establish  a  government  in  accordance  with 
their  own  chivalrous  notions  of  justice,  equality 
and  state  rights. 

"What  a  mask  they  would  make  of  religion, 
by  invoking  Divine  aid  in  the  prosecution  of 
their  accursed  designs. 

The  poet's  admonition  seems  to  have  been 
forgotten : 

"  Beware,  ye  slaves  of  vice  and  infamy. 
Beware  —  choose  not  religion's  sacred  name, 
To  sanctify  your  crimes  — your  falsehood  shield. 
Profane  not  your  Creator's  boundless  power  — 
Or  lest  his  vengeance  fall  upon,  and  crush  ye. 
It  is  an  awful  height  of  human  pride, 
When  men  dare  robe  themselves  in  sanctity, 
While  all  is  dark  within! 
This,  surely,  is  the  aggregate  of  sin ; 
The  last  —  to  be  forgiven,  by  Heaven,  or  man." 

Maj.  Cooke,  Capt.  Downing,  Lieuts.  Nyce, 
Shaeffer  and  Hopper,  of  the  old  regiment,  are 
included  in  the  number  sent  to  Charleston. 
Lieut.  Richardson  is  still  with  me. 

July  28.  The  second  six  hundred  were  counted 
out  of  the  pen  late  in  the  afternoon. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  125 

As  his  name  was  called,  each  prisoner  step 
ped  between  the  dead  line  and  stockade,  where 
we  expect  to  remain  until  morning,  when  it  is 
generally  understood  that  we  will  be  shipped  to 
the  coast. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

AT   SAVANNAH,  GA.,  CAMP  DAVIDSON. 

July  29,  1864.  We  left  Macon  at  4  o'clock  A. 
M.,  guarded  by  the  5th  Ga.  Reserves.  We  were 
packed  into  cattle  cars  at  the  usual  rates.  Our 
treatment  at  the  hands  of  the  guard,  however, 
was  much  better  than  on  our  former  jaunts  of 
this  kind. 

From  the  hurried  and  excited  manner  of  the 
rebel  authorities,  all,  evidently,  was  not  well 
with  them.  Artillery  was  being  rapidly  hurled 
into  position,  the  troops  were  on  the  alert,  and 
every  preparation  made  to  defend  the  place ; 
but  as  for  ourselves,  we  could  only  hope  that 
through  their  misfortune  we  might  find  an 
opportunity  for  escape ;  and  the  reader  may 
imagine  our  disappointment  when  we  learned 
afterwards,  from  on'e  of  the  guards,  that  our 
cavalry  under  Gen.  Stoneman  cut  the  road  at 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC.        127 

Griffin  Stationr  only  thirty  minutes  after  we 
had  passed. 

To  think  that  freedom  had  come  almost  within 
our  graspy  and  yet  eluded  us,  tended  only  to 
add  bitterness  to  our  hard  lot. 

July  30.  Savannah  is  situated  on  the  Savan 
nah  river,  in  the  eastern  part  of  Georgia.  It  is 
unsurpassed  by  any  other  city  in  the  state  in  its 
business  facilities,  and  also  in  its  neatness  and 
regularity. 

In  a  military  point  of  view,  it  stands  next  to 
Charleston  in  importance. 

Its  population  at  present  is  about  .twenty 
thousand,  including  a  large  number  of  refugees. 
The  inhabitants  are  generally  suffering  from  the 
most  abject  poverty. 

At  present  there  is  a  perfect  stagnation  in 
business ;  but  one  can  easily  judge  its  past  en 
terprising  spirit  by  the  unmistakable  marks  of 
its  former  prosperity. 

Our  camp  is  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  city, 
near  the  Marine  Hospital,  which  was  built  and 
formerly  used  by  our  government. 

Pulaski's  monument  stands  within  plain  view. 

There  are  about  four  thousand  rebel  troops 
cTbing  garrison  duty  in  the  city. 

The  nearest  Union  troops  are  at  Fort  Pulaski, 


128  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

at  the  mouth  of  the  river.  They  are  in  such 
close  proximity  to  the  rebel  forces  that  if  we 
could  but  escape  the  vigilance  of  our  guard  we 
should  be  almost  certain  of  reaching  the  Federal 
lines  in  safety. 

KIND  TREATMENT  AT  SAVANNAH. 

So  great  is  the  contrast  between  our  treatment 
here  and  at  other  places  that  we  cannot  but  feel 
that  fortune  has  certainly  smiled  kindly  upon  us 
for  once. 

Our  camp  contains  several  acres  of  land. 
There  is  a  number  of  live  oak  trees,  which  will 
furnish  a  splendid  shade  during  the  oppressive 
heat  of  noon  day. 

This  is  truly  the  oasis  in  the  desert  of  my 
prison  life.  The  authorities  have  issued  tents 
and  cooking  utensils  to  us,  and  seem  inclined  to 
alleviate  suffering  as  far  as  lies  within  their 
power.  "We  have  pitched  our  tents  in  regular 
order,  so  that  the  camp  has  quite  a  military  ap 
pearance. 

Our  senior  officer,  Col.  Miller  of  New  York, 
acts  as  commandant  of  the  interior,  and  all  re 
quests  and  complaints  are  made  through  him  to 
the  rebel  authorities.  He  also  superintends  the 
issuing  of  rations  and  policing  of  the  camp,  It 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  129 

is  fortunate  for  us  that  our  guard,  the  1st  Ga. 
Volunteers,  have  been  prisoners  of  war,  and  have 
learned  what  we  had  a  right  to  expect,  from  the 
magnanimous  treatment  they  themselves  have 
received  from  the  Federal  government.  And 
then  nature  is  kind  to  us,  we  are  enabled  to  bear 
our  sufferings  more  cheerfully  •  than  at  first. 
Scenes  which  at  home  would  chill  the  blood  and 
destroy  all  peace  of  mind,  have  become  so  com 
monplace  with  us  that  we  look  upon  them  un 
moved  ;  'tis  a  dangerous  experiment  to  place  one 
constantly  amidst  the  misery  and  sufferings  of 
others  with  no  power  to  alleviate  them. 


A    COMPARISON    OF   REBEL    PRISONS. 

At  RichmoncJ,  Danville  and  Macon,  the  au 
thorities  adopted  a  course,  which  they  believed 
would  forever  render  us  unfit  for  further  mili 
tary  duty.  Their  means  were  starvation,  close 
confinement  in  filthy  dungeons,  and  cruel  treat 
ment.  The  slightest  pretext  was  sufficient  to 
increase  its  severity.  Evidently  at  Savannah, 
they  have  not  yet  learned  the  usual  method  of 
ridding  the  Confederacy  of  its  enemies. 

There  are  many  rumors  in  circulation  to-day, 
concerning  Gen.  Stoneman's  raid ;  it  is  rumored 


130  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

that  he  is  marching  on  Macon  and  Anderson- 
ville. 

It  is  also  reported,  that  the  first  six  hundred 
prisoners  sent  from  Macon,  attempted  to  disarm 
the  guard  and  take  the  train  between  this  place 
and  Charleston.  The  attempt  seems  to  have 
proved  a  failure,  as  the  guard  had  assistance 
from  some  temporary  troops  stationed  along  the 
rail  road. 

The  faintest  ray  of  hope  seemed  sufficient  to 
cause  an  attempt  to  regain  their  freedom,  al 
though  they  knew  full  well  the  bitter  results  of 
an  unsuccessful  effort. 

BETTER    RATIONS. 

Aug.  22.  Our  rations,  though  barely  sufficient 
to  sustain  what  little  vitality  we  have  left,  are 
of  a  better  quality  than  we  have  received  be 
fore,  since  our  capture. 

The  following  is  our  daily  allowance:  Corn 
meal,  one  pint ;  fresh  beef,  one  pound ;  rice,  one 
gill ;  salt,  one  ounce  for  four  days. 

Sutlers  are  allowed  to  sell  to  us  in  camp  ;  but 
having  been  robbed  of  our  money,  and  nearly 
all  our  valuables  when  captured,  we  are  gene 
rally  very  poor  customers.  We  gradually  find 
ourselves*  dispossessed  of  whatever  remains  to 


AND  THE  ESCAPE. 

us  of  value,  such  as  rings,  lockets,  etc.,  which 
we  succeeded  in  concealing  from  bur  captors. 

These  souvenirs  of  the  past  were  disposed  of 
to  purchase  the  necessaries  of  life,  which  we 
could  have  at  the  following  prices :  Flour,  four 
dollars  per  quart;  onions,  three  for  a  dollar; 
potatoes,  forty-eight  dollars  per  hushel ;  bread, 
two  dollars  per  loaf;  butter,  ten  dollars  per 
pound ;  eggs,  six  dollars  per  dozen ;  apples, 
three  for  a  dollar ;  milk,  three  dollars  per  quart. 

At  such  prices  we,  of  course,  soon  wasted 
away  what  we  chanced  to  have;  and  this  done, 
these  land  sharks  ceased  their  visits,  and  we  had 
to  again  content  ourselves  with  what  the  rebel 
government  saw  fit  to  furnish. 

BRICK   OYENS, 

The  authorities  have  been  kind  enough  to 
make  an  issue  of  brick,  with  which  to  build 
ovens.  We  raise  them  about  two  feet  from  the 
ground.  The  brick  are  arranged  in  an  oval 
form,  and  strongly  cemented  together  with  mor 
tar  made  of  clay,  which  is  very  adhesive,  and 
serves  as  a  good  substitute  for  lime  and  mortar. 

We  use  these  ovens  principally  for  baking  our 
corn  bread,  which  is  prepared  by  stirrrng  the 
meal  and  cold  water  together.  When  baked, 


132  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

this  bread  is  as  heavy,  and  almost  as  hard  as  the 
iron  skillet  iu  which  it  is  baked.  Still,  it  is  far 
preferable  to  that  produced  by  the  usual  method 

of  cooking. 

i 

TUNNELING. 

Tunneling,  as  a  means  of  escape,  has  become 
quite  an  institution. 

A  tunnel  was  commenced  some  days  ago  from 
a  well,  which  we  had  dug  and  abandoned  for 
this  purpose.  None  but  the  working  party  were 
in  the  secret ;  and  they  themselves  sworn  not  to 
divulge  our  plans. 

Tools  were  frequently  brought  in  for  cleaning 
the  camp,  and  we  managed  to  keep  some  of 
these  generally  for  a  day  or  two,  until  a  search 
was  instituted  for  them,  when  they  were  left 
exposed  in  some  other  part  of  the  camp  for  the 
rebels  to  find. 

OUR    SCHEME   EXPOSED   BY   A   COW. 

The  tunnel  was  soon  finished,  and  it  had  been 
carried  several  feet  outside  of  the  stockade  line, 
when,  to  the  great  surprise  of  the  parties  inter 
ested,  upon  opening  it,  found  that  another  chain 
of  sentinels  was  placed  some  twenty  feet  from 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  133 

the  stockade.  When  this  discovery  was  made 
we  carefully  concealed  the  opening,  resolving  to 
carry  it  beyond  the  second  line  of  sentinels  the 
next  night';  but,  unfortunately  for  us,  before 
night  cam-ej  a  cow,  passing  over  the  tunnel,  broke 
through.  The  rebels,  seeing  the  unpleasant 
situation  of  the  unfortunate  creature,  went  to 
her  assistance,  and  were  thus  enabled  to  dis 
cover  our  intentions. 

•The  tunnel  was  filled  up,  the  camp  carefully 
inspected,  an-d  the  most  severe  penalties  attached 
to  another  attempt  to  escape. 

JOY   WITHOUT,    DEATH    WITHIN    THE    STOCKADE; 

Aug.  26.  This  has  been  -a  gala  day  for  the 
rebels  at  this  point.  A  picnic  has  been  given  to 
the  rebel  troops  stationed  here  by  the  ladies  of 
Savannah.  It  was  held  a  short  distance  from 
our  camp  —  so  near  that  our  ears  have  been 
greeted  by  lively  music,  joyous  peals  of  laughter, 
and  happy  voices. 

How  many  sacred  memories  of  other  days  did 
this  scene  recall.  Freedom  certainly  seemed  a 
precious  gift  to  them.  It  will  be  doubly  so  to 
us  if  we  are  ever  permitted  to  regain  it ;  and 
hence,  in  the  future,  we  may  be  compensated 
for  our  present  loss.  But  to  many  of  us  the 
12 


134      THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

day  has   been   as  sad   within   the   stockade   as 
seemingly  joyous  without. 

One  of  our  number,  Copt.  McGinnis,  died  this 
morning.  He  had  a  large  number  of  friends 
among  the  prisoners,  and  was  held  in  high  esteem 
for  his  many  noble  qualities  ;  but  the  severity  of 
prison  life  had  done  its  work,  and  he  was  gone ; 
and  we  were  desirous  that  one  so  brave  and 
noble  as  he  had  proved  himself  to  be  should 
have,  at  least,  a  decent  burial.  Therefore  we 
appointed  a  committee  to  wait  upon  the  com 
mandant  of  the  camp,  Col.  Wayne,  to  request 
that  we  be  permitted  to  give  the  captain  a 
decent  burial ;  but  received  from  him  the  re 
sponse  that  the  captain  was 

/'NOTHING  BUT  A  DAMNED  YANKEE/' 
deserving  to  be  buried  like  a  dog,  and  so  he 
should  be.  We  needed  not  even  this  reply  to 
teach  us  how  perfectly  heartless  was  the  man  ; 
for  nature  had  written  the  lines  of  baseness  on 
his  face.  His  eyes  constantly  betrayed  the  utter 
immorality  of  his  heart,  and  branded  him  "  vil 
lain  ;"  but,  fortunately  for  us,  he  was  an  excep 
tion  to  the  officers  of  his  command,  who  were 
ever  courteous  and  obliging,  as  far  as  lay  within 
their  power. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  135 


KINDNESS    OF    LADIES. 

We  were  greatly  surprised  this  evening  upon 
receiving  a  note  from  the  ladies  of  the  town, 
informing  us  that  they  had  learned  with  pain 
of  Col.  Wayne's  answer  to  our  petition,  and 
that  they  themselves  have  purchased  a  burial 
lot  unbeknown  to  the  colonel,  where  the  cap 
tain's  remains  will  be  suitably  interred  under 
their  direction.  Thank  God  for  this  dear  wo 
manly  act  ].yp 

Aug.  SOGTAji  exchange  of  army  chaplains  and 
surgeons  has  been  effected ;  and  those  held  as 
prisoners  at  this  point  are  to  take  passage  north 
on -the  next  flag  of  truce  boat,  and  will  leave 
this  place  for  Charleston  on  the  4  o'clock  p.  M. 
train. 

The  wildest  enthusiasm  prevails  among  them. 
An  exchange  from  close  confinement,  in  the 
hands  of  an  enemy,  to  perfect  freedom  among 
ones  friends  is  certainly  a  sufficient  cause  for 
exultation  and  joy. 

The  D.D.s  and  M.D.s  are  now  the  great  cen 
tre  of  attraction  with  the  prisoners.  Crowds 
have  been  collecting  around  them  all  day,  with 


136  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

some  message  for  their  friends  at  home,  which 
they  promise  sacredly  to  deliver. 

They  will  be  sadly  missed  hy  us ;  for  they 
were  untiring  in  their  labors  while  here. 

Aug.  31.  "Weather  warm  and  sultry.  Played 
chess  this  afternoon  with  Lieut.  Apple,  1st  Md. 
Cavalry. 

Sept.  1.  We  have  heard  heavy  canonading  in 
the  direction  of  Charleston  since  morning, 
which  is  doubtless  owing  to  the  philosophical 
fact  that  damp  atmosphere  is  a  good  conductor 
of  sound. 

Sept.  2.  Washed  my  underclothing  in  the 
morning.  Played  chess  in  the  afternoon  with 
Lieut.  Wadsworth,  16th  Me. 

Sept.  3.  The  heat'was-  very  oppressive  during 
the  day.  Called  on  friend  Hampton,  and 
was  surprised  to  find  him  quite  low  with  chronic 
rheumatism.  He  will  be  admitted  to  the  hos 
pital  to-morrow. 

Sept.  4.  Made  the  acquaintance  of  Lieut. 
Merry,  of  the  106th  "N.  Y.  Infantry,  formerly 
of  Ogdensburgh.  Had  a  very  pleasant  chat 
with  M.,  he  is  acquainted  with  many  of  my  old 
friends  in  St.  Lawrence  Co. 

Sept.  11.  Exchange  stock  above  par  to-day. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  137 

It  is  rumored  that  we  are  to  be  sent  to 
Charleston  in  the  morning  for  exchange,  but 
few  however,  are  inclined  to  invest,  as  it  is 
more  than  probable  that  if  removed  at  all,  we 
shall  be  taken  to  the  besieged  city  to  share  the 
fate  of  our  fellow  officers  who  were  sent  thither 
from  Macon. 


CHAPTEE  VII. 

IN    CHARLESTON  JAIL  YARD. 

"  Oh  thou  doomed  city  of  the  evil  seed, 

Long  nursed  by  baneful  passion's  heated  breath ; 
Now  bursts  the  germ,  and  lo,  the  evil  deed 

Inviles  the  sword  of  war  the  stroke  of  death." 

September  12,  1864.  We  were  marched  oul 
of  Camp  Davidson  by  our  old  guard  at  six 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  for  this  place,  and  I  could  say 
with  Byron's  Prisoner  of  Chilon,  "  even  I 
left  my  prison  walls  with  a  sigh,"  but  from 
far  different  reasons,  for  at  Savannah  we  were 
treated  with  some  of  the  respect  that  we  are 
entitled  to  as  prisoners  of  war,  and  now  we 
were  destined  for  Charleston,  to  be  placed  under 
the  fire  of  our  own  batteries,  for  the  enemy  seem 
to  think  that  we  may  be  the  means  of  saving 
the  besieged  city  from  the  doom  which  inevi 
tably  awaits  it.  Of  course  they  affirm  that 
this  is  retaliation,  but  with  the  north  re 
taliation  has  ever  been  looked  upon  as  a  sad 
extremity,  and  to  be  exercised  only  when  no 
other  resource  remains  for  restraining  the  ex- 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC.         139 

cesses  of  its  foes.  "With  the  rebels,  the  slightest 
pretext  has  been  sufficient  to  cause  the  most 
wanton  destruction  of  life. 

After  leaving  our  camp  at  Savannah,  we  were 
turned  over  to  the  City  Battallion  which  guard 
ed  us  through  town. 

We  remained  for  a  number  of  hours  in  the 
dusty  streets  of  the  city,  under  the  scorching 
heat  of  the  sun,  when  we  were  ordered  into 
cattle  cars,  weary  and  sick  at  heart,  yet  not 
entirely  despondent,  for  there  is 

"No  grief  so  great,  but  runneth  to  an  end, 
No  hap  so  hard,  but  will  in  time  amend." 

One  of  our  number  was  permitted  by  some 
of  the  guard  to  step  out  of  his  car  at  the  first 
station,  but  was  immediately  fired  upon  by 
several  others. 

The  prisoner  only  saved  himself  by  dodging 
under  a  car  and  remaining  there  until  the 
excitement  was  over,  when  he  was  dragged 
from  his  hiding  place  and  thrown  back  among 
his  fellows. 

And  yet  these 'men  who  could  thus  murder 
ously  fire  upon  a  defenceless  prisoner  guilty 
of  no  offence,  were  constantly  talking  of  their 
honor  and  their  chivalry.  Well,  let  them  babble, 


140  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

the  record  of  their  acts  will  live  longer  than 
their  words. 

We  reached  this  city  in  the  afternoon,  and 
were  marched  down  Coming  street  to"  our 
present  quarters  in  Charleston  Jail  Yard. 

Sept.  16.  The  jail  yard  is  situated  in  the  south 
east  portion  of  the  city,  and  in  plain  view  of 
Morris  Island,  on  which  our  batteries  are 
planted,  which  have  done  such  fearful  execu 
tion.  It  is  in  the  most  filthy  condition  con 
ceivable,  having  been  occupied  for  a  long  time 
by  prisoners  and  convicts,  without  ever  having 
been  cleaned.  "We  are  unable  to  obtain  even 
the  necessary  tools  from  the  authorities,  to  do 
this  work  ourselves.  Its  sanitary  condition  is 
such,  that  it  seems  impossible  for  us  to  remain 
here  long  without  suffering  from  some  foul 
and  malignant  disease. 

We  are  without  shelter.  Fragments  of  tents 
are  still  standing,  but  have  ceased  to  afford 
any  protection  from  the  sun  or  storm,  for  the 
prisoners  who  were  confined  here  before  us, 
many  of  whom  were  from  Andersonville,  were 
in  such  a  destitute  condition  upon  their  arri 
val,  that  they  cut  the  tents  to  pieces  to  make 
themselves  clothes  to  wear. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  141 

What  is  commonly  palled  the  "Burni  Dis 
trict"  is  between  the  jail  yard  and  Morris 
Island;  it  covers  about  one-third  of  the  city 
It  was  burnt  during  the  early  part  of  the  year, 
having  been  set  on  fire  by  the  explosion  of  shell 
thrown  from  our  batteries. 

This  part  of  the  city  has  been  deserted  by  all 
except  the  negroes,  who,  whenever  there  is  a 
cessation  of  shelling  for  a  short  time,  flock  here 
in  great  numbers  to  save  rent.  But  a  few  shell 
dropped  into  the  streets  will  soon  disperse  them, 
although  they  are  easily  tempted  back  again. 
And  after  a  few  days  of  quiet,  they  may  be  seen 
trudging  around  with  bundles  on  their  backs, 
looking  for  the  most  favorable  location,  often 
taking  up  their  quarters  in  the  dwellings  of 
the  former  notables.  Before  the  siege  the 
poor  negroes  could  only  gain  admission  by  the 
back  entrance,  where  with  hat  in  hand  they 
awaited  the  orders  of  "  Massa." 

"Well,  truth  is  stranger  than  fiction,  and  the 
city  built  by  the  hard  labor  of  slaves,  now  holds 
them  as  her  principal  occupants. 

Sixty  shell  and  solid  shot  of  very  heavy  cali 
bre  were  thrown  into  the  city  to-day,  many  of 
which  exploded  very  near  the  yard.  Fragments 
from  two  struck  between  this  enclosure  and 


142  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN 

the  Marine  Hospital,  in  which  a  large  number 
of  prisoners  are  confined.  The  explosion  of 
nearly  every  shell  thrown  by  our  batteries  may 
be  seen  by  us. 

The  prisoners  constantly  wear  a  forlorn  and 
haggard  look,  owing  in  a  great  measure  to 
starvation  and  exposure  to  danger,  even  one  who 
has  been  in  many  engagements  knows  but  lit 
tle  of  the  effects  of  our  situation.  I  have 
noticed  on  the  battle  field,  that  the  most  critical 
time  for  the  army,  when  there  is  the  greatest 
danger  of  confusion  and  disorder  generally  fol 
lowed  by  a  panic,  is  when  the  men  are  exposed  to 
a  heavy  artillery  fire,  and  are  not  actively  engaged 
themselves;  they  must  have  something  to  do  to 
occupy  the  attention.  "Now  conceive  of  men 
placed  constantly  under  fire  day  and  night  for 
months,  with  nothing  but  their  own  sad  fate  to 
occupy  their  minds,  and  is  it  strange  that  many 
have  become  hopelessly  insane,  while  others  have 
been  incapacitated  for  all  the  duties  of  life  here 
after,  nothing  but  strong  nerves  and  an  inflexi 
ble  will  can  save  one  under  such  circumstances. 

Sept.  18.  A  large  number  of  shell  have  ex 
ploded  very  near-  our  yard  to-day,  but  we  have 
escaped  unharmed. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  143 

CHARLESTON    JAIL    AND    ITS  INMATES. 

Charleston  Jail,  near  which,  we  are  confined, 
is  filled  with  prisoners,  many  of  whom  are  ne 
gro  soldiers  captured  during  our  assault  on 
Fort  Wagner.  There  are  also  a  large  number 
of  southern  convicts  confined  in  the  same  build 
ing,  as  well  as  several  officers  and  soldiers  of  the 
rebel  army,  guilty  of  military  offences. 

I  had  a  conversation  with  Sergt.  Johnson 
(colored),  Co.  F,  55th  Regt.  Mass.  Infantry; 
he  was  a  full  blooded  negro,  but  possessed  of 
no  ordinary  degree  of  intelligence,  he  gave  me 
an  interesting  history  of  the  captivity  and  trial 
of  the  negro  prisoners.  Soon  after  their  cap 
ture  they  were  informed,  that  they  were  to  be 
tried  by  a  civil  commission  on  a  charge  of  hav 
ing  abandoned  their  masters  and  enlisted  in  the 
United  States  army,  and  if  found  guilty,  they 
were  told  that  they  might  make  up  their  minds 
to  stretch  hemp.  And  why  should  they  not  be 
found  guilty  ?  to  be  sure,  nearly  all  were  from 
the  north  and  had  always  been  free ;  but  they 
knew  full  well,  that  this  court  was  formed,  not 
to  subserve  the  ends  of  justice,  but  to  convict, 
for  the  rebels  had  sufficiently  illustrated  their 
method  of  dealing  with  negro  prisoners,  that  is, 


144  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

when  they  deigned  to  receive  them  as  such, 
instead  of  murdering  them  in  cold  blood,  in 
order  to  convince  their  comrades  of  the  narrow 
chances  for  life,  should  they  unfortunately  fall 
into  the  hands  of  an  enemy. 

A   FRIEND. 

Sergeant  J.  told  me  that  they  were  surprised 
to  find  a  friend  in  a  relative  of  Ex-Gov.  Pickens, 
who,  although  a  resident  of  Charleston,  and 
educated  under  her  institutions,  yet  had  ten 
dered  his  services  unrecompensed  to  them. 

INCLINED    TO    BE    DISTRUSTFUL. 

The  sergeant  related  that  when  he  first  came 
among  them,  and  revealed  his  intention  to  act 
in  their  behalf,  he  was  regarded  as  an  imposter, 
a  government  detective,  whose  only  object  was 
to  learn  their  history;  that  is,  to  ascertain  if 
they  had  been  slaves,  to  whom  they  had  be 
longed,  and  under  what  circumstances  they  had 
left  their  masters. 

AN    ACT    OF   TRUE    NOBLENESS. 

He  gave  them  money  to  buy  little  necessaries 
(for  nothing  but  corn  meal  was  issued  to  them, 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  145 

and  this  in  very  small  quantities),  and  left 
them  with  the  promise  that  he  would  soon 
return,  and  report  the  progress  of  his  investiga 
tions  ;  but  when  he  came,  he  found  them  still 
doubting,  and  unwilling  to  place  confidence  in 
him ;  but,  calling  them  together,  he  related 
that  before  the  war  he  himself  was  a  slave 
holder,  and  was  known  and  respected  through 
out  his  state.  But  at  the  commencement  of  this 
intestine  strife,  having  proved  true  to  the  old 
flag,  his  property  had  been  swept  from  him,  his 
friends  had  deserted  him,  calling  him  traitor, 
and  an  abolitionist,  and  that  now  he  was  an 
outcast  among  his  friends,  and  in  constant  dan 
ger  of  being  assassinated. 

GENUINE    PATRIOTISM. 

He  also  told  them  that  he  knew  that  this 
must  be  his  fate,  from  the  first,  if  he  remained 
true  to  his  convictions  ;  but  that,  having  counted 
the  cost,  it  was  as  nothing  when  weighed  in  the 
balance  against  truth  ;  and  he  was  now  prepared 
to  do  his  work  thoroughly  and  unhesitatingly, 
regarding  only  as  friends  those  who  were  true 
to  the  cause  of  their  country. 

By  this  means  he  gained  their  confidence ;  for 
there  is 


146  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

A  HIGHER  LANGUAGE  THAN  THE  WRITTEN. 
>rFis  seen  in  the  mute  dropping  of  the  tear,  in 
the  trembling  of  the  lip,  in  the  flashing  of  the 
eye,  in  the  glory  and  grandeur  that  speaks  at 
times  through  the  very  tenement  of  the  soul. 
'  Tis  the  court  of  appeals,  from  which  there  can 
be  no  appeal. 

WQ  listen  to  the  words  of  a  man,  and  then  we 
look  into  his  eyes  to  interpret  his  meaning ;  and 
this  decision  cannot  be  revoked.  And  when 
this  language  shall  become  as  universally  studied 
and  understood  as  the  written  language  which 
we  speak,  then  shall  the  divine  command  "Thou 
shalt  not  lie,"  never  be  violated  on  account  of 
the  inability  of  mankind  to  deceive  us  with 
their  words. 

As  the  sergeant  related  to  me  how  untiring 
were  the  efforts  of  this  friend  during  their  pro 
longed  and  doubtful  trial  in  combating  truth 
against  error,  in  proving  .their  innocence,  even 
under  laws  that  were  made  but  for  white  men,  he 
seemed  at  times  to  be  completely  overcome  by 
his  feelings,  so  unused  was  he  to  sympathy  or 
kind  words  ;  but  when  their  trial  was  once  over, 
and  their  innocence  established,  they  returned  to 
jail,  to  be  regarded  as  prisoners  of  war. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  147 

THE    LAST    VISIT. 

It  was  after  their  return  to  the  jail  that  their 
friend  and  advocate  visited  them  for  the  last 
time.  Their  emotions  were  uncontrollable,  and 
they  seemed  unable  to  give  even  a  faint  expres 
sion  of  their  gratitude,  to  him  who  had  sacrificed 
so  much  for  them.  Their  admiration  for  this 
devoted  friend  of  the  Union  is  so  great,  that  the 
mere  mention  of  his  name  is  sufficient  to  bring 
tears  to  the  eyes  of  these  swarthy  sons,  who 
have  thus  far,  had  so  little  to  be  grateful  to  us 
for. 

The  convicts  and  negro  prisoners  are  granted 
the  limits  of  the  yard.  They  frequently  rehearse 
their  sufferings  to  us.  In  the  evening  the 
colored  prisoners  often  gather  around  the  jail, 
and  sing  their  plaintive  melodies  till  late  in  the 
evening.  The  character  of  their  songs  is  usu 
ally  mournful ;  and  it  is  often  affecting  to  listen 
to  them  —  always  embodying,  as  they  do,  those 
simple,  child-like  emotions  and  sentiments  for 
which  the  negro  is  so  justly  celebrated. 

The  harmony  "and  rich  melody  of  their  voices 
are  rarely  surpassed.  Indeed,  this  seems  a  spe 
cial  gift  to  them. 


148  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

One  song,  which  appeared  to  be  a  special  fa 
vorite  with  them,  was  written  by  Sergeant  John 
son,  whom  I  have  before  mentioned.  He  in 
tended  it  as  a  parody  on  "  This  Cruel  War."  I 
give  the  song  as  he  furnished  it  to  me. 

I. 

"  When  I  enlisted  in  the  army, 

Then  I  thought  'twas  grand, 
Marching  through  the  streets  of  Boston 

Behind  a  regimental  band. 
When  at  Wagner  I  was  captured, 

Then  my  courage  failed ; 
Now  I'm  lousy,  hungry,  naked, 

Here  in  Charleston  jail. 
CHORUS.     Weeping,  sad  and  lonely  — 

Oh!  how  bad  I  feel ; 
Down  in  Charleston,  South  Carolina, 
Praying  for  a  good  "square  meal." 

II. 

If  Jeff.  Davis  will  release  me, 

Oh,  how  glad  I'll  be  ; 
When  I  get  on  Morris  Island, 

Then  I  shall  be  free. 
Then  I'll  tell  those  conscript  soldiers 

How  they  use  us  here  ; 
Giving  us  an  old  "corn  dodger"  — 

They  call  it  prisoner's  fare. 

III.       / 
We  are  longing,  watching,  praying, 

But  will  not  repine, 
Till  Jeff.  Davis  does  release  us, 

And  sends  us  "in  our  lines." 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  149 

Then  with  words  of  kind  affection, 

How  they'll  greet  us  there ! 
Wondering  how  we  could  live  so  long 

Upon  the  "dodger's  fare." 
CHORUS.     Then  we  will  laugh  long  and  loudly  — 

Oh,  how  glad  we'll  feel, 
When  we  arrive  on  Morris  Island 
And  eat  a  good  "  square  meal." 

The  negroes  sang  this  song  with  a  great  deal 
of  zest,  as  it  related  to  their  present  sufferings, 
and  was  just  mournful  enough  to  excite  our 
sympathy.  A  large  number  of  the  prisoners 
now  confined  with  us  were  removed  here  from 
Audersonville  ;  and  I  have  listened  with  disgust 
and  perfect  horror  to  the  history  of  their  past 
treatment.  Future  generations  will  stand  aghast 
in  view  of  the  unheard  of  and  pitiless  deeds  of 
men,  steeped  in  infamy — their  'foul  and  bar 
barous  usage  of  our  unfortunate  soldiers. 

At  Andersonville  large  numbers  were  crowded 
into  a  small  space,  where  the  ground  was  lite 
rally  alive  with  vermin.  During  the  heat  of 
day,  by  watching  closely  in  the  warm  sand, 
you  could  perceive  a  constant  motion  among  the 
particles  ;  so  alive  was  it  with  lice.  On  such 
ground  as  this,  the  men  were  closely  crowded 
together,  without  shelter,  and  with  fare  which 
a  rebel  surgeon  himself  declared  "would  pro 
duce  disease  among  swine." 


150  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 


AWFUL    CONDITION    OF    THE    HOSPITAL. 

The  hospital  was  in  the  most  wretched  con 
dition  ;  no  one  left  the  pen  however  feeble  he 
might  be,  who  had  any  friend  to  attend  to  his 
wants,  for  the  only  advantage  gained  by  leaving 
the  stockade,  was  a  shelter  from  the  scorching 
rays  of  the  sun,  but  this  was  counterbalanced 
by  being  brought  in  such  immediate  contact 
with  so  many  afflicted  with  the  most  foul  and 
offensive  diseases. 


GREAT    SUFFERING. 

The  men  were  placed  upon  the  ground,  noth 
ing  underneath  them,  and  usually  without 
covering,  while  the  nights  were  so  chilling,  as 
to  keep  the  poor  fellows  quaking  with  cold 
until  the  sun  appeared  again  to  warm  them,  and 
then  followed  the  other  extreme,  the  intense 
heat,  which  .  rendered  the  sufferings  of  those 
intolerable,  whose  blood  was  almost  quenched 
with  burning  fevers. 

The  rebel  surgeons  seemed  to  give  them  little 
or  no  care. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE. 


LIVING   DEATH. 

So  filthy  and  obnoxious,  so  infested  with 
vermin,  and  so  loathsome  had  this  den  of  living 
death  become,  that  it  was  indeed  impossible  for 
a  person  of  good  health  to  endure  it  long. 

While  such  a  state  of  things  existed,  it  is  not 
strange  that  the  mortality  among  them  was 
fearful.  Each  day  the  dead  were  carried  away 
by  scores,  their  places  to  be  again  filled  by 
others,  who  in  all  probability  would  soon  share 
the  same  fate,  for  none  but  those  who  were 
so  low  as  to  be  past  cure  were  ever  looked  at 
by  the  surgeons,  and  nearly  as  many  died 
within  the  pen,  without  ever  receiving  any 
medical  treatment,  as  in  the  hospital. 

A  fearful  responsibility  certainly  rests  some 
where,  and  men  who  could  thus  wantonly  mur 
der  so  many  helpless  and  innocent  men,  are 
almost  as  much  to  be  pitied  for  their  moral  de 
pravity  as  the  prisoners  for  their  bodily  suffer 
ing,  and  yet  these  martyrs  to  the  cause  of 
"Liberty  and  their  Country/'  never  murmured 
against  the  government,  always  believing  that 
it  was  powerless  to  help  them,  or  else  that  it 
did  not  understand  their  true  condition. 


152  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

I  have  noticed  scarcely  a  prisoner  from  An- 
dersonville,  who  was  not  more  or  less  affected 
by  some  disease  contracted  there,  so  that  we 
now  see  the  truthfulness  of  what  they  say  pro 
ven  "by  their  physical  condition. 

A   THUNDER    STORM. 

Sept.  20.  I  find  myself  weak  and  exhausted 
this  morning,  with  blood  feverish  and  my 
system  racked  with  pain,  the  result  of  yester 
day's  suffering;  for  it  was  one  of  the  most 
wretched  days  that  I  have  passed  since  my 
captivity. 

Nothing  could  have  been  more  lovely  than 
the  morning,  but  the  sky  was  soon  overcast 
with  dark  clouds,  and  one  of  the  most  fearful 
thunder  storms  broke  forth  that  I  have  ever 
witnessed,  followed  by  a  severe  and  drenching 
rain,  which  continued  during  the  day  and  night. 

REFUSED   ADMISSION   TO   THE   JAIL. 

We  were  without  shelter,  or  wood  to  build 
fires,  and  were  obliged  to  exercise  constantly  to 
keep  from  chilling.  At  night,  as  there  were 
no  signs  of  the  storm  abating,  we  sent  a  com 
mittee  to  wait  upon  the  jailor,  to  obtain  permis- 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  153 

sion  if  possible,  to  go  inside  the  jail,  as  there 
were  a  number  of  unoccupied  cells,  but  were 
refused  admission  without  a  reason  being  given. 

Before  morning  the  yard  became  flooded  with 
water  some  four  or  five  inches  deep,  and,  with 
our  garments  drenched  and  our  limbs  benumbed 
with  cold,  we  were  compelled  to  walk  through 
this  flood,  in  order  to  keep  up  a  circulation  of 
the  blood. 

There  were  a  few  small  out  buildings  con 
nected  with  the  jail,  formerly  used  as  sinks,  and 
which  were  in  the  most  loathsome  and  filthy 
condition ;  yet  into  these  a  small  portion  of  the 
prisoners  crowded  themselves,  and  were  par 
tially  protected  from  the  storm,  but  suffered 
almost  as  severely  from  the  obnoxious  vapors, 
as  we  from  the  drenching  rain. 

A    CONTRAST. 

I  have  frequently  read  of  the  effect  produced 
upon  persons  by  living  upon  a  shelf  of  rocks, 
or  on  a  barren  sand  tract,  or  perhaps  in  plea 
sant  valleys,  surrounded  by  grand  and  soul 
inspiring  mountains,  and  have  wondered  if  the 
influences  in  the  outer  world  were  so  potent  for 
good  or  evil,  what  must  be  the  effect  upon 


154  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

us,  whose  vision  cannot  extend  beyond  the 
dismal  walls  which  surround  this  abode  of 
misery.  The  monotony  too,  is  only  relieved  by 
a  "jail,"  a  "work  house,"  and  the  whizzing, 
bursting  shell. 

SHELLS   A   SUBJECT   FOR   DISCUSSION. 

Many  are  the  discussions,  many  the  dissertav 
tion's  upon  the  subject  of  shells. 

Some  for  an  argument  claim,  that  a  shell  in 
its  progress  through  the  air  is  entirely  harmless 
if  it  does  not  explode  before  reaching  a  point 
directly  overhead;  while  others  assert,  that  a 
shell  must  necessarily  reach  an  angle  of  at  least 
48  degrees,  in  order  to  secure  perfect  safety  to 
a  person  directly  beneath. 

Groups  of  officers  collect  from  time  to  time, 
some,  around  the  old  wooden  pump,  which 
serves  as  a  stand  for  the  speaker — others  be 
neath  the  shade  of  an  old  fig  tree  which  stands 
in  one  corner  of  the  yard,  for  the  purpose  of 
mutually  benefitting  themselves  by  arguments 
upon  this*  and  various  other  subjects. 

Sours  are  spent  thus,  whilst  every  fifteen  or 
twenty  minutes  we  could  see  the  smoke  and 
hear  the  explosion  of  "Foster's  messengers,"  as 
we  call  them,  which  come  to  us  in  the  shape 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  -[55 

of  screeching,  tearing,  death  dealing,  two-hun 
dred  pound  shells ;  and,  although  we  are  com 
pletely  isolated  from  the  outer  world,  yet  these 
"  terrible  dispatches  "  seem  ever  welcome.  They 
tell  us  of  the  untiring  perseverance  of  our  forces 
on  Morris  Island. 

So  correct  is  their  aim,  so  well  do  the  gun 
ners  know  of  our  whereabouts,  that  shells  burst 
all  around  in  front,  and  often  fly  screeching 
directly  over  head  without  injury  to  us. 

When  the  distant  rumbling  of  the  "  Swamp 
angel"  is  heard,  and  the  cry  "here  it  comes!" 
resounds  through  the  yard,  slumberers,  the 
drowsy,  the  thoughtful  souls,  in  fact  all  start, 
endeavoring  to  see  where  the  messenger  will 
fall.  Perhaps  it  will  burst  in  mid  air ;  perhaps 
fall,  crashing  through  the  roof  of  some  dwell 
ing,  which  will  not  remain  standing  long  after 
the  explosion. 

It  is  a  singularly  noticeable  fact,  that  every 
Charleston  paper,  in  its  report  of  "  damage  done 
the  city"  by  our  batteries,  never  chronicles  the 
loss  of  a  white  person ;  but  in  every  morning 
edition  we  notice  the  name  of  some  "  poor  ne 
gro,"  whose  life  has  been  taken  by  the  "cruel 
barbarity  of  the  d — d  Yankees.  " 


156  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  T'EN, 

The  sight  at  night  is  truly  beautiful.  We 
trace  along  the  sky  a  slight  stream  of  fire,  simi 
lar  to  the  tail  of  a  comet;  follow  its  course 
until,  "wUz,  whiz,'"  come  the  little  pieces  from 
our  mighty  200-pouiiders,  like  "grape  shot," 
scattering  themselves  all  around,  and  telling  us, 
in  unmistakable  language,  that  our  soldiers  are 
still  battling  for  the  cause  of  freedom  inviolate. 

Sept.  22.  Heat  oppressive.  Heard  from  the 
members  of  my  regiment,  who  are  confined  in 
Roper  Hospital.  They  are  nlaking  an  effort  to 
have  ~Rf  and  myself  transferred  to  that  building, 
which  is  a  far  better  place  than  the  jail  yard, 
although  it  is  quite  as  much  exposed  to  shot  and 
shell. 

Sept.  23.  The  naval  officers  are  in  excellent 
spirits  at  present,  having  learned  by  the  last  flag 
of  truce  boat,  that  terms  for  a  special  exchange 
of  all  naval  prisoners  have  been  agreed  upon. 

Sept.  24.  Sixty  shell  have  been  thrown  into 
the  city  to-day. 

Two  hundred  prisoners  transferred  to  Roper 
and  Marine  hospitals. 

Sept.  25.  Shelling  kept  up  vigorously  during 
the  past  forty-eight  hours.  Many  explosions 
very  near  us.  No  casualties  among  the  pris 
oners. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  157 

Sept.  26.  Met  friend  H.  to-day,  one  of  the  na 
val  officers,  who  expects  to  be  included  on  the 
list  for  special  exchange  next  week.  If  so,  he 
assures  me  that  I  shall  have  his  shirt,  as  he  can 
dispense  with  under  clothing  until  he  reaches 
our  lines,  where  he  is  sure  of  doing  decidedly 
better.  He  will  also  bear  a  message  to  my 
friends  in  Troy.  Eighty  shell  have  been  thrown 
into  town  since  yesterday. 

ROPER    HOSPITAL. 

Sept.  29.  To-day  is  an  eventful  one  for  K.  and 
myself.  Our  rations  being  entirely  gone,  we 
started  in  quest  of  something  to  eat,  after  taking 
our  usual  morning  wash.  We  succeeded  ir. 
finding  a  friend  who  had  a  little  corn  meal  left, 
and  who  willingly  shared  it  with  us. 

Hastening  back  to  our  quarters,  we  converted 
it  into  mush,  and  sat  down  fully  prepared  to  do 
ample  justice  to  the  dish,  when  a  cry  was  heard, 
"  All  those  whose  names  are  called  will  prepare 
to  go  to  Roper  Hospital  immediately." 

"We  listen,  but  our  names  are  not  called ;  we 
wait  and  wait  for  the  next  list  to  be  read.  It 
seems  evident  that  we  are  destined  to  remain  in 
the  jail  yard,  when,  to  our  great  surprise,  we 
hear  the  welcome  voice  of  Maj.  E.  F.  Cooker 
14 


158  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PPJSOX  PEN, 

of  the  old  regiment,  who  has  at  last  succeeded 
in  persuading  the  authorities  to  remove  us  from 
this  hell  on  earth.  How  we  start !  How  ea 
gerly  do  we  grasp  his  extended  hand!  He  tells 
us  to  "pack  up,"  which  requires  hut  a  moment, 
as  our  wardrohe  is  very  scanty,  and. our  equip 
ments  few.  Passing  through  the  heavy  doors 
of  the  jail,  it  seems  as  though  a  new  life  had 
sprung  up  within, us.  "We  feel  free,  although 
the  rebel  bayonets  still  surround  us.  We  are 
taken  before  the  commandant,  to  whom  we  give 
our  paroles  not  to  attempt  an  escape  ;  and  are 
then  passed  through  the  gateway  of  "Hoper" 
into  the  beautiful  garden  of  the  hospital.  On 
our  right  is  a  palmetto,  on  our  left  an  orange 
tree,  while  around  us  bloom  flowers  of  every 
hue,  whose  very  fragrance  inspires  us  with  new 
life.  How  great  the  change.  Here  we  are  com 
paratively  free.  Here  all  seem  better  contented. 
We  are  assigned  quarters  on  the  third  floor 
piazza ;  the  hard  floor  seeming  a  luxury,  and 
the  place  itself  a  paradise,  compared  to  that 
worse  than  grave  —  Charleston  Jail  Yard. 

SISTERS    Or    CHARITY. 

Confined  as  we  are,  so  far  away  from  every 
home  comfort  and  influence,  from  all  that  makes 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  159 

.life  worth  living  for,  how  quickly  do  we  notice 
the  first  kind  word,  the  passing  friendly  glance. 

Can  any  prisoner,  confined  here,  ever  forget 
the  "Sisters  of  Charity?"'  Ask  the  poor  pri 
vate,  now  suffering  in  those  loathsome  hospitals, 
so  near  us,  if  he  can  forget  the  kind  look,  the 
kind  word  given  him  by  that  "Sister,"  while 
burning  with  fever,  or  racked  with  pain  ?  Many 
are  the  bunches  of  grapes,  many  the  sip  of  its 
pure  juice,  does  the  sufferer  get  from  her  hands. 
They  seem  —  they  are  ministering  angels;  and 
while  all  around  us  are  our  avowed  enemies,  they 
remain  true  to  every  instinct  of  womanhood. 
They  dare  lift  the  finger  to  help,  they  do  relieve 
many  a  sufferer. 

See  them  moving  in  our  midst,  known  by 
their  peculiar  dress.  They  are  reverenced.  "We 
shake  them  heartily  by  the  hand,  and,  as  we 
follow  them  in  their  course  through  our  rooms, 
we  feel,  as  the  poet  has  written  — 

-'Woman!  Blest  partner  of  our  joys  and  woes! 
Even  in  the  darkest  hour  of  earthly  ill, 
Untarnished  yet,  thy  fond  affection  glows, 
Throbs  with  each  pulse,  and  beats  with  every  thrill! 
Bright  o'er  the  wasted  scene  thou  hoverest  still, 
Angel  of  comfort  to  the  failing  soul ; 
Undaunted  by  the  tempest  wild  and  chill 
That  pours  its  restless  and  disastrous  roll, 


160      THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

O'er  all  that  blooms  below,  with  sad  and  hollow  howl. 

When  sorrow  rends  the  heart,  when  feverish  pain 

Wrings  the  hot  drops  of  anguish  from  the  brow, 

To  soothe  the  soul,  to  cool  the  burning  brain, 

O!  who  so  welcome,  and  so  prompt  as  thou! 

The  battle's  hurried  scene,  and  angry  glow, 

The  death-encircled  pillow  of  distress, 

The  lonely  moments  of  secluded  woe  — 

Alike  thy  care  and  constancy  confess, 

Alike  thy  pitying  hand  and  fearless  friendship  bless." 

Were  other  denominations  in  the  south  as 
active  in  aiding  us  as  the  Catholics  have  been, 
I  might  have  some  faith  in  rebel  Christianity. 

Sept.  30.  Several  shell  passed  directly  over  us 
this  afternoon,  a  fragment  of  one  striking  the 
west  end  of  the  building. 

Oct.  1.  Yellow  fever  is  raging  fearfully  in  the 
cit/  at  present.  Five  shell  from  our  batteries 
fell  in  the  burnt  district  to-day.  It  was  amusing 
to  witness  the  flocks  of  negroes,  who  came  run 
ning  from  the  buildings  which  they  have  occu 
pied  since  the  commencement  of  the  siege  clear 
of  rent  charges,  the  owners  being  too  timid  to 
remain  in  that  locality.  The  colored  people  are 
often  driven  out  in  this  manner,  but  invariably 
return  after  the  shelling,  to  enjoy  their  threat 
ened  haunts. 

Oct.  5.  The  rebel  captain  commanding  this 
prison,  and  also  his  adjutant,  died  last  night  with 


AND  THE  ESCAPE. 

yellow  ferer.  Many  prisoners  have  been  swept 
off  by  the  same,  during  the  past  four  days.  "We 
heard  from  our  enlisted  men  at  Charleston  Race 
Course  to-day.  Starvation,  exposure  and  the 
frightful  ravages  of  yellow  fever,  are  sweeping 
them  off  by  the  score. 


CHAPTER 

REMOVAL   TO    COLUMBIA,  S.  0.,  CAMP   SORGHUM.* 

At  eight  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  fifth 
of  October  we  left  Charleston,  S.  C.,  where  we 
had  been  confined  for  six  weeks,  for  the  most 
part  within  the  enclosure  of  the  jail  yard,  se 
curely  packed  in  cattle  cars,  and  guarded  by  the 
32d  Kegiment  Georgia  volunteers,  to  whom  too 
much  credit  cannot  be  given.  The  kind  treat 
ment  bestowed  upon  us  by  the  officers  and  men 
of  this  splendid  regiment  was  more  than  we 
had  ever  received  at  the  hands  of  our  captors. 
Our  journey  was  marked  with  no  features  of 
peculiar  interest,  as  the  country  through  which 
we  passed  was  a  barren  and  sandy  tract,  with 
no  vegetation  to  meet  the  weary  eye,  save  occa 
sionally  a  small  patch  of  cotton,  and  sometimes 
sugar  cane  growing  by  the  roadside. 

*  So  named,  because  that  was  the  principal  ration  issued 
while  there. 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC.        168 
REBEL   VIGILANCE. 

The  change  of  base  occupied  about  fourteen 
hours,  when  we  arrived  at  Columbia,  in  the 
midst  of  a  terrific  rain  storm,  without  food, 
blankets,  or  a  necessary  amount  of  clothing. 
We  were  compelled  to  vacate  our  quarters  in 
the  cars,  and  take  up  with  such  as  were  pro 
vided  us  by  the  Confederate  officers  in  command, 
to  wit:  none  at  all. 

We  were  closely  guarded,  and  a  lieutenant, 
whose  name  I  do  not  recollect,  received  a  seri 
ous  wound  in  the  back  by  a  bayonet  in  the  hands 
of  one  of  the  sentinels,  for  attempting  to  take  a 
small  loaf  of  bread  offered  him  by  a  sympathiz 
ing  citizen. 

We  remained  in  an  open  field  on  "Bridge 
street,"  during  the  night,  suffering  from  hunger, 
without  blankets,  tents,  or  any  conveniences  for 
comfort,  at  the  mercy  of  the  elements,  with 
four  pieces  of  artillery  trained  upon  the  ground 
which  we  occupied. 

PEACE    MOVEMENTS. 

The  rebels  commented  much  upon  the  course 
pursued  by  Mr.  Stephens,  their  vice  president, 


164  THE  CAPTtRE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

regarding  peace  movements,  and  expressed 
great  anxiety  for  a  knowledge  of  the  result ; 
wishing  for  peace,  they  hope  the  movement  may 
terminate  in  a  settlement  of  our  difficulties, 
upon  a  basis  satisfactory  to  the  interests  of  the 
southern  people. 

Thus  passed  our  first  night  at 

COLUMBIA. 

The  capita]  city  of  the  first  state  in  the  grand 
unity  of  states,  to  raise  the  dark  hand  of  treason 
and  adopt  the  base  acts  of  secession,  which 
hurled  the  hosts  of  America,  who  had  for  up 
wards  of  eighty  years  enjoyed  all  the  quietness 
of  peace,  into  the  fierce  havoc  and  chaos  of  war, 
making  our  own  beautiful  land  run  red  with  the 
blood  of  her  noble  sons. 

This  city  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  state, 
has  a  population  of  about  20,000  souls,  is  hand 
somely  situated  on  a  gentle  rise  of  ground, 
overlooking  the  surrounding  country  in  all  di 
rections  for  a  distance  of  from  twenty  to  thirty 
miles,  and  is  on  the  line  of  the  South  Carolina 
Central  Rail  Road,  equi-distant  from  Charles 
ton  and  "Wilmington,  1ST.  C. 

It  is  also  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Congaree 
river,  and  125  miles  from  the  sea. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  165 

It  is  regularly  laid  out,  its  streets  crossing  each 
other  at  right  angles ;  some  are  wide  and  planted 
with  handsome  trees,  among  which  are  found 
the  Palmetto  which  is  familiar  to  all,  as  it  was 
represented  upon  the  first  flag  raised  as  a  signal 
of  war  in  opposition  to  the  laws  of  our  country. 

Except  in  the  busy,  commercial  parts  of  the 
town,  the  houses  are  surrounded  with  gardens, 
crowded  with  shrubs  and  flowers  of  all  kinds ; 
each  establishment  being  generally  encircled 
with  hedges  of  hawthorn,  intersDersed  with  a 

O  .*. 

luxuriant  growth  of  roses. 

The  houses,  which  stand  amid  these  beautiful 
pleasure  grounds,  are  built  of  many  different 
forms.  Those  of  wood  arc  usually  painted 
white. 

To  the  southerner,  this  lovely  place,  during 
the  war,  has  been  one  of  perfect  safety.  ^ 

It  being'  the  farthest  of  any  from  the  lines  of 
our  advancing  armies,  and  free  from  attack  by 
our  ever  watchful  navy;  many  have  flocked  here 
from  all  parts  of  the  Confederacy,  where  they 
might  be  beyond  the  reach  of  the  dread  sounds 
of  war. 

The  Confederate  government,  influenced  by 
the  thought  of  impending  danger,  moved  its 
treasury  from  the  city  of  Richmond  to  this 


166  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

plaice,  fearing  that  the  Union  army  might  make 
an  inroad  into  its  capital,  and  destroy  its  worth 
less  currency. 

The  public  "buildings  are  of  magnificent  struc 
ture. 

The  Capitol,  or  State  House,  occupies  a  com 
manding  position  near  the  centre  of  the  town. 

The  grounds  adjoining  are  adorned  with  beau 
tiful  walks  and  avenues. 

The  Military  Academy,  Court  House,  and  its 
crmrch  edifices  are  built  in  splendid  style. 

With  all  the  beauty  and  magnificence  com 
bined  to  make  these  buildings  grand  to  look 
upon,  there  yet  remains  connected  with  their 
history  the  memory  of  the  dark  deeds  perpe 
trated  within  their  walls,  which  resulted  in  the 
dismemberment  of  the  Palmetto  state  from  our 
great  and  glorious  Union. 

Here  it  was  that  the  first  steps  were  taken, 
which  placed  South  Carolina  foremost  in  the 
ranks  of  those  states  which  afterwards  adopted 
the  ordinance  of  secession. 

Although  cooperation  had  been  urged  by  many 
leading  men  of  the  south,  among  whom  were 
Mr.  Ehett,  long  conspicuous  in  the  councils 
of  the  state,  and  Mr.  Trenholm,  afterwards  a 
member  of  the  Confederate  cabinet,  yet  the  fiery 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  167 

devotees  of  slavery  forced  their  opinions,  and 
controlled  the  public  feeling  until  a  convention 
was  called,  which  met  on  the  20th  of  Decem 
ber,  1860,  when  South  Carolina  launched  forth 
upon  a  sea,  above  whose  tranquil  bosom  brooded 
a  pent  up  storm,  dark  and  tremendous,  which, 
when  }t  burst  forth  from  its  deathly  silence, 
carried  all  away  who  had  embarked  upon  its 
alluring  surface,  and  dashing  in  one  final  wreck 
the  frail  structure,  upon  which  this  unrighteous 
and  unjust  government  was  to  be  formed. 

She  entered  upon  a  struggle  which  has  devas 
tated  her  lovely  fields  and  finest  cities,  depopu 
lated   many  of  her  most  flourishing  towns,  and 
reduced  her  inhabitants  to  poverty,  degradation 
and  despair. 

By  this  deed,  thousands  of  America's  honored 
sons,  while  battling  nobly  for  the  maintenance 
of  right,  have  been  sacrificed — making  the 
fields  of  the  south  run  red  with  blood. 

But  it  has  terminated  in  the  complete  over 
throw  of  the  foundation  upon  which  these 
southern  leaders  attempted  to  rear  their  govern 
ment,  and  in  the  destruction  of  that  evil  which 
had  so  long  stained  our  nation's  honor.  Oh! 
Columbia,  the  pride  of  the  south,  thou  hast 
passed  through  the  fierce  and  bloody  struggle 


168  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

without  sharing  in  the  general  ruin  which  fol 
lows  the  footsteps  of  war.  Although  many  of 
your  hearth-stones  have  been  made  desolate, 
your  beauty  and  magnificence  yet  remain. 

May  your  people  profit  by  the  sad  lot  of  other 
cities,  and  no  more  sacrifice  their  honor  by 
raising  the  fierce  and  bloody  hand  of  treason 
in  opposition  to  their  country.* 

MORNING    AFTER    THE    STORM. 

Oct.  7.  The  storm  had  abated.  The  clouds 
broke  away,  and  once  more  the  sun  arose  in 
splendor,  shedding  its  refulgent  light  upon  the 
fair  city,  and  upon  the  weary,  wretched  band 
of  unfortunates  who  had  clustered  together 
during  the  past  dark. and  stormy  night,  in  a 
strange  land,  far  from  home,  family  and  friends, 
with  everything  possible  added  to  our  wretched 
condition  by  our  brutal  keepers  to  make  us 
more  miserable. 

TURNED    OUT    TO    GRASS. 

Corn  meal  and  sorghum  were  issued  to  us  in 
small  quantities,  and  then  we  were  moved  from 
our  camp  on  Bridge  street  to  the  south  side  of 
the  Congaree,  about  two  miles  from  the  city, 

*  This  chapter  was  written  since  the  escape. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  169 

and,  like  Nebuchadnezzar  of  old,  turned  out  to 
grass. 

An  attempt  was  made  yesterday  by  the  au 
thorities  to  persuade  us  to  take  our  paroles,  in 
order  that  we  might  enjoy  the  privileges  of  an 
open  field.  We  were  threatened  with  confine 
ment  in  some  old  tobacco  houses  in  case  we  did 
not  comply  with  their  wishes ;  but  we  sternly 
refused  to  accept  their  base  proposition,  and 
utterly  disregarded  their  threats,  knowing  that 
our  condition  could  be  made  no  worse  by  the 
change. 

For  some  reason  unbeknown  to  us,  we  were 
not  removed  from  this  place  into  the  tobacco 
houses ;  but  a  guard  and  dead  line  were  es 
tablished  ;  and  in  the  open  field,  with  no  cover 
ing  save  the  broad  canopy  of  heaven,  our 
band,  numbering  upwards  of  fifteen  hundred 
men,  was  obliged  to  remain. 

Many  of  <*ir  number,  worn  out  by  the  con 
finement  of  prison  life,  with  nature  exhausted 
by  exposure  to  the  weather,  and  for  want  of 
nourishment,  yielded  up  their  spirits  to  the  God 
who  gave  them,  and  were  buried  in  the  southern 
land  by  the  hands  of  their  enemies,  with  no 
stone  to  mark  their  final  resting  place. 

15 


170  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

"  Hallow  ye,  each  lonely  grave, 

Make  their  memory  sure  and  blest , 
For  their  lives  they  nobly  gave, 
And  their  spirits  are  at  rest." 


NEWS    FROM    THE    ARMY. 

After  many  unsuccessful  attempts  to  get  a 
newspaper,  I  at  last,  by  bribing  one  of  our 
guards,  secured  a  copy  of  the  South  Carolinian — 
a  weekly  sheet,  published  in  the  city — from 
which  I  learned  the  position  of  the  Union  army 
under  the  gallant  Sherman. 

A  DAY  OP  JOY. 

Oct.  8.  This  day  was  one  of  joy  and  thanks 
giving.  Our  hearts  were  made  glsfd,  and  our 
hopes  brighter,  by  the  receipt  of  clothing,  and 
many  other  articles  of  comfort  sent  to  us  from 
the  north  by  that  ever  beneficent  organization, 
the  Sanitary  Commission. 

Those  of  our  number  who  were  the  most 
needy  were  supplied  with  such  articles  as  the 
authorities  saw  fit  to  allow  them,  which  to  some 
degree  alleviated  their  sufferings,  and  made  life 
somewhat  sweeter. 

It  was  my  happy  lot  to  get  a  towel  and  an 
undershirt. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  171 

The  last  mentioned  article  was  of  great  value 
to  me,  as  more  than  three  months  had  passed 
since  I  had  had  a  change. 

Notwithstanding  the  distribution  of  clothing, 
many  were  without  shoes,  stockings,  shirts  and 
coats  —  dying  by  inches  for  want  of  some  pro 
tection  from  the  inclement  weather.  They 
submitted  to  their  fate,  however,  trusting  in 
the  government  and  the  ability  of  their  country 
to  save  them  before  they  finally  perished. 

"Hope  comes  again  to  the  heart,  long  a  stranger; 
Once  more  she  sings  me  her  flattering  strain; 
But  hush,  gentle  siren,  for  an!  there's  less  danger 
In  still  suffering  on  than  in  hoping  again." 

VOTING    UPON    THE   PRESIDENTIAL    CANDIDATES. 

Oct.  16.  Our  prison  pen  had  been  remarkably 
quiet  for  six  or  eight  days;  nothing  having 
transpired  among  the  prisoners  to  cause  any 
excitement;  and  we  were  fast  falling  into  a 
state  of  melancholy  sadness,  when,  in  view  of 
the  approaching  presidential  election,  it  was 
suggested  that  we  vote  upon  the  subject  our 
selves.  The  idea  was  approved  by  most  of  our 
number,  as  it  was  also  by  the  rebels ;  for  they 
wished  to  get  an  expression  of  the  prevailing 
sentiment  among  us,  that  they  might  the  better 


172  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

judge  of  the  feeling  which  pervaded  the  people 
at  the  north.  By  our  action  they  could  form 
some  idea  in  reference  to  the  intentions  of  our 
government  and  its  supporters,  there  being 
among  us  men  from  every  loyal  state  in  the 
Union.  Accordingly,  notice  was  duly  given  to 
all  who  wished  to  make  manifest  their  prefer 
ence  in  the  candidates  for  the  presidency  to 
meet  at  the  quarters  of  the  senior  officer  from 
their  respective  states,  and  vote  for  their  de 
clared  favorite. 

THE    TEST    AND    ITS    RESULT. 

Much  discussion  as  to  the  relative  merits  of 
the  opposing  candidates  followed,  and  all  awaited 
with  anxiety  the  counting  of  the  ballots. 

I  cast  my  vote  for  Abraham  Lincoln,  as  did 
my  messmates,  Lieuts.  Hampton  and  Richard 
son  ;.  deeply  regretting  that  it  was  my  sad  lot  to 
be  denied  the  privilege  of  doing  so  where  it 
might  count  for  some  good.  At  six  o'clock  p. 
M.  the  counting  was  finished ;  the  result  being 
1,024  votes  for  Lincoln,  and  143  for  McClellan. 

This  was  the  expression  of  feeling  and  opinion 
among  men  who  had  been  deprived  of  all  the 
-common  comforts  of  life,  half  starved,  with 
.nothing  but  dirty  rag?  hanging  to  their  emaciated 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  173 

limbs  to  protect  their  bodies  from  the  cold, 
wasting  away  by  hunger  and  exposure,  yet 
.would  not  favor  a  peace  degrading  to  their 
country's  honor. 

Cheer  upon  cheer  arose  from  our  feeble 
voices,  and  resounded  through  our  prison  yard,, 
upon  the  announcement,  making  the  McClellan- 
ites,  who  had  been  very  confident  of  the  success 
of  their  candidate,  look  crest-fallen  and  disap 
pointed. 

The  Confederates  understood  the  significance 
of  the  reelection  of  Mr.  Lincoln  full  well. 

They  knew  it  would  be  impossible  to  free 
themselves  from  the  serpent,  into  whose  coils 
they  had  allowed  themselves  to  be  drawn  ;  but 
'that  they  must  fight  for  a  cause  that  originated 
in  sin,  which  was  nurtured  in  iniquity,  unholy, 
unjust  and  hopeless. 

The  rebel  officers  had  continually  misrepre 
sented  the  Federal  administration  to  the  prison- 
era  ;  and  as  we  had  no  means  by  which  to  refute 
the  arguments  of  these  wily  secessionists,  except 
the  firm  confidence  in  our  government,  our  souls 
were  filled  with  joy  and  gladness  by  this  favor- 
able.result  of  our  impromptu  election. 

"  The  song  of  war  shall  echo  through   the  mountains 
Till  not  one  hateful  link  remains 


174  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

Of  slavery's  lingering  chains  ; 

Till  not  one  tyrant  treads  our  plains, 

Nor  traitor  lips  pollute  our  fountains." 


AN  ESCAPE. 

October  18.  Our  camp-  was  thrown  into  a 
state  of  wild  excitement,  owing  to  the  escape 
of  three  prisoners,  who  ran  the  guard  and  made 
towards  "  God's  country."  Several  shots  were 
fired  at  them  as  they  passed  the  outer  line,  but 
without  doing  them  any  injury,  and  they  passed 
out  in  safety.  The  entire  guard  was  aroused. 
The  men  flew  to  arms — the  artillerymen  to 
their  guns.  The  rebel  officers,  calling  loudly 
to  their  men  to  fall  in,  could  be  distinctly  heard 
at  my  quarters,  making  me  tremble  for  the  fate 
of  the  brave  men  who,  risking  life,  were  trying 
to  make  their  escape  from  this  den  of  misery. 
After  the  occurrence  of  this  affair,  our  guard 
was  redoubled,  and  orders  given  to  the  sentinels 
to  shoot  down  every  prisoner  who  should  in  any 
manner  approach  the  "  dead  line."  This  action 
on  the  part  of  the  Confederates  did  not,  however, 
intimidate  us  in  the  least ;  for  we  well  knew  if 
compelled  to  remain  there,  in  the  condition  we 
were  then  in,  that  death  would  surely  overtake 
us ;  and  to  die  in  the  attempt  to  free  ourselves 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  175 

from  the  grasp  of  heartless  tyrants  would  be  no 
worse  than  starvation. 

My  plan  for  escape  was  not  in  the  least  dis 
concerted  by  this  movement  of  the  rebels ;  on 
the  contrary,  my  determination  to  be  free  was 
more  fixed  in  my  mind,  and  I  continued  the 
preparations  for  a  leave  taking  of  Columbia, 
and  the  hated  prison  pen,  "  Camp  Sorghum." 


REJOICING   OVER   A    SUCCESSFUL   ESCAPE. 

Oct.  20.  Two  more  days  passed,  and  no  tid 
ings  were  received  from  our  friends  who  last 
escaped. 

We  were  rejoicing  over  their  safety,  and  had 
worked  ourselves  into  a  state  of  feverish  excite 
ment  in  consequence  of  their  success  in  passing 
the  "  dead  line,"  and  were  continually  talking 
the  matter  over  among  ourselves. 

When  any  of  the  prisoners  freed  themselves 
from  the  contaminating  influences  of  this  dread 
ful  place,  the  remainder  were  not  selfish,  but 
held  a  jubilee,  and  prayed  that  it  might  be  the 
good  fortune  of  the  escaped  party  to  reach  our 
lines  in  safety. 


176  THE  CAPTURE,  THE'PEISON  PEN, 


A   PRISONER    SHOT. 

In  the  midst  of  our  rejoicings  the  sad  intelli 
gence  of  the  death  of  Lieut.  George  Young,  of 
the  4th  Kegiment  of  Pa.  Cavalry,  was  passed 
from  mouth  to  ear  until  it  reached  me.  I  was 
overcome  with  grief  at  this  report,  for  Lieut. 
Young  was  a  brave  man,  a  fine  officer,  a  plea 
sant  companion,  and  withal  had  been  for  a  long 
time  a  suffering  friend.  He  was  shot  in  cold 
blood  by  one  of  the  sentinels,  while  conversing 
with  some  fellow  officers,  near  a  small  fire;  he 
survived  but  a  few  moments. 

Thus  another  noble  spirit  was  ushered  into 
the  presence  of  its  maker,  sent  thither  by  the 
brutal  hand  of  a  murderer. 

Were  they  men  and  suffer  such  conduct?  had 
they  been  taught  the  principles  of  love  and  jus 
tice,  which  are  given  to  all  in  the  great  Book 
of  Books?  had  they  any  sense  of  humanity  in 
their  bosoms?  "No,  the  foul  fiend  of  darkness 
possessed  and  influenced  their  thoughts.  Not 
satisfied  with  depriving  men  of  the  necessary 
food  to  sustain  life,  they  shot  down  our  defence 
less  comrades  like  dogs,  without  a  shudder  at 
the  heinousness  of  the  crime. 


AND   THE  ESCAPE. 

How  long,  oh  God !  how  long  will  such  fear 
ful  atrocities  be  allowed?  From  the  time  we 
left  Charleston  the  weather  had  been  exceed 
ingly  cold  and  disagreeable. 

E~o  tongue  can  tell  or  pen  describe/ the  suf 
ferings  of  the  brave  men  confined  here,  the 
want  of  clothing  made  their  bodies  more  sus 
ceptible  of  cold,  and  many  were  dying  daily,  by 
diseases  brought  on  in  consequence  of  exposure 
to  the  wind  and  storm,  and  the  improper  food 
furnished  us  under  such  circumstances. 

THOUGHTS    OF    HOME. 

It  was  customary  with  us  to  lay  down  aftei 
taking  our  night's  meal,  not  to  sleep,  however, 
but  to  talk  over  the  incidents  of  our  boyhood 
days,  and  the  events  of  our  lives ;  when  the 
thoughts  of  home  and  friends  gathered  around 
the  fireside,  would  crowd  themselves  upon  our 
minds,  and  not  -until  the  star  of  evening  was 
dimmed  by  the  light  of  approaching  day,  would 
we  find  that  rest  which  our  exhausted  systems 
so  much  needed. 

There  were  but  few  persons  here  who  had 
ever  been  compelled  to  suffer  such  privations 
and  hardships.  Most  of  them  before  entering 
the  army,  had  either  been  clerks  behind  tho 


178      THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

counter,  a  student  in  a  lawyer's  office,  or  a  well- 
to-do  mechanic,  some  were  soldiers  by  profes 
sion;  and  many  were  sons  of  wealthy  men,  who 
had  never  known  anything  but  pleasure,  and 
had  always  taken  life  easy.  But  all  through 
the  common  impulses  of  their  natures  and  the 
patriotism  ever  burning  in  the  loyal  American 
heart,  had  offered  their  services  to  their  bleed 
ing  and  distracted  country,  to  assist  in  subduing 
the  element  of  discontent  at  the  south,  and  the 
foulest  and  most  unwarrantable  rebellion  against 
just  and  proper  authority,  ever  known  within 
the  annals  of  time. 

As  to  their  fate,  many  were  thoughtless  and 
indifferent,  some  were  distrustful  of  our  govern 
ment  and  its  intentions  to  liberate  them ;  but  few 
were  without  hope  of  approaching  succor,  and 
depending  upon  the  mercies  of  an  allwise  and 
overruling  Providence,  we  made  the  best  of  our 
miserable  condition. 

I  did  not  intend  to  remain  in  "  durance  vile  "  a 
great  while  longer ;  but  upon  the  first  favorable 
opportunity  to  take  my  flight,  with  some  one  or 
two  of  my  friends,  if  they  chose  to  go  with  me ; 
if  not,  I  should  make  the  attempt  alone. 

I  did  not  think  any  of  my  companions  would 
refuse  an  offer  to  accompany  me  if  I  should 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  179 

propose  a  plan  which  presented  any  chances  for 
success. 

I  kept  my  own  counsels,  however,  and  when 
the  time  should  arrive,  I  would  cautiously  make 
my  intentions  known  to  those  I  wished  to  have 
accompany  me,  and  then  set  out  together.  As 
the  days  came  and  went,  our  sufferings  in 
creased. 

The  season  being  far  advanced,  the  cold  night 
air  chilled  us  through,  and  the  stars,  from  their 
lofty  stations  in  the  heavens,  shone  upon  us 
clear  and  cold,  while  the  moon  reflected  its  pale, 
silvery  light  upon  our  pallid  faces,  making  us 
look  doubly  haggered  and  ghost-like. 

• 

ALLOWED   TO    GET    WOOD   BY   TAKING   A   PAROLE. 

Nov.  4.  The  prison  authorities  adopted  a  rule 
of  allowing  a  certain  number  each  day  to  pass 
outside  the  prison  limits,  for  the  purpose  of 
backing  in  such  quantities  of  wood  as  we  could 
carry. 

This  privilege  was  granted  to  such  as  would 
give  their  paroles  not  to  attempt  an  escape. 

We  were  all  very  glad  of  the  opportunity  of 
doing  something  whereby  the  material  could  be 
procured  for  making  a  fire.  Many  accepted  the 


180  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

offer,  and  went  out  to  bring  in  what  they  could 
pick  up  in  the  shape  of  dry  twigs,  broken 
branches  of  trees  and  bark.  It  was  a  sad  sight 
to  see  us  filing  along  under  guard,  picking  up 
what  we  could  carry,  and  returning  with  our 
loads  upon  our  backs. 

Some  of  the  men  were  so  weak  that  they 
became  as  helpless  as  a  child,  and  had  to 
be  carried  back  to  camp  in  a  state  of  utter 
exhaustion  and  insensibility.  In  trying  to  help 
themselves,  they  overtaxed  their  remaining 
strength,  which  brought  on  fevers  and  delirium, 
from  the  effects  of  which  a  large  number  died. 

I  profited,  however,  by  the  arrangement ;  for 
not  only  a  sufficient  quantity  of  wood  was  pro 
cured  to  last  me  and  my  mess  two  days,  but  in 
carefully  examining  the  plan  of  our  pen,  and 
the  system  by  which  it  was  guardetl,  I  obtained 
and  added  to  my  small  store  of  knowledge  much 
valuable  information  concerning  the  surround 
ing  country.  All  of  which,  at  some  future  day, 
then  not  far  distant,  would  be  put  to  good  use. 

I  was  not  by  any  means  the  only  one  to  profit 
by  these  explorations.  Others,  as  much  6*n  the 
alert  as  myself  for  adventure,  conceived  plans 
whereby  they  effected  an  escape ;  but  unfor 
tunately,  after  a  few  days  had  passed,  were 


AND  THE  ESCAPE. 

generally  re-captured  and   thrown  into  county 
jails. 

They  had  the  satisfaction,  during  their  ab 
sence,  of  getting  some  corn  bread  and  bacon  of 
the  faithful  negroes,  out  of  which  they  could 
make  at  least  a  few  good  meals ;  and  never 
afterwards  regretted  that  the  attempt  to  get  free 
had  been  made. 

MY    OLD    SHOES. 

My  shoes  being  badly  worn,  I  went  to  the 
"  camp  cobbler"  to  get  them  repaired.  He  gave 
me  no  encouragement,  but  said  that  they  were 
past  help,  that  they  could  not  be  mended. 

How  could  I  travel  barefoot  through  the  hot 
burning  sand  of  the  highway,  the  stone  covered 
fields,  or  the  dreary  swamps  ?  I  must  have  some 
covering  for  my  feet,  and  set  about  preparing 
something  myself. 

By  dint  of  good  luck,  I  obtained  the  rim  of 
an  old  worn  out  regulation  hat,  from  which  1 
cut  some  inner  soles  for  my  old  shoes,  and  by 
tying  the  outer  sole  to  the  uppers  with  a  piece 
of  cord,  made  them  appear  no  worse,  and  added 
largely  to  their  worth  and  durability ;  thus  my 
feet  were  protected  from  the  heat  and  cold,  for 
a  short  time  before  my  escape  was  effected. 
16 


182  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

TURNING-  NIGHT    INTO    DAY. 

During  the  last  two  weeks  of  my  stay  at 
Columbia,  the  nights  had  become  so  cold  that 
we  did  not  think  of  lying  down,  but  would  walk 
around  the  camp  for  the  purpose  of  keeping 
the  blood  in  circulation  and  to  prevent  chilling. 

When  the  sun  arose  in  the  east,  then,  and 
not  till  then,  would  we  stretch  ourselves  upon 
the  ground  to  sleep;  the  heat  from  its  rays 
keeping  us  warm  while  locked  in  the  arms  of 
Morpheus. 

A   DAY    OF    ANXIETY. 

Nov.  8.  This  eventful  day  was  ushered  in  by 
us  with  great  anxiety,  as  it  was  to  decide  who 
should  be  our  chief  magistrate  for  the  next  four 
years.  We  had  but  little  uneasiness  upon  this 
subject,  as  we  were  satisfied  that  the  election 
would  result  in  placing  Mr.  Lincoln,  our  present 
worthy  president,  in  the  chair,  which  for  the  past 
four  years  he  had  filled  with  so  much  credit  to 
himself,  and  honor  to  the  nation. 

DECEPTION     PRACTICED    BY    THE    PRISON    AUTHORITIES. 

We  were  also  notified  by  the  prison  authori 
ties,  that  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners  would 


AND  THE  ESCAPE. 

take  place  on  the  20th.  Oapt.  Hatch,  the  rebel 
commissioner  of  exchange  was  there,  and  it  was 
rumored  ahout  camp,  that  a  large  portion  of 
our  number  would  be  taken  to  Savannah  imme 
diately,  causing  great  excitement. 

The  "fresh  fish"  especially  w^ere  in  excellent 
humor  over  what  they  styled  glorious  good 
news. 

The  old  prisoners  were  not  inclined  however 
to  be  very  jubilant  over  the  announcement,  as 
they  had  many  times  before  been  duped  and 
deceived  by  the  practical  infamy  of  the  Confede 
rates.  And  it  was  very  well  that  we  put  no 
faith  in  such  loose  reports,  for  at  this  time  as  on 
many  other  occasions  when  such  rumors  were 
circulated,  nothing  official  had  been  received. 

The  rebels  always  took  advantage  of  the  Tiatu- 
ral  despondency  following  so  much  excitement, 
to  endeavor -to  persuade  the  prisoners  to  believe 
that  their  government  cared  nothing  for  their 
suffering,  and  would  use  every  other  means  at 
their  command  to  cause  us  to  lose  confidence  in 
the  Federal  authorities  and  the  commanding 
officers  of  our  army.  They  miserably  failed  in 
their  endeavors  to  extinguish  the  fire  of  patriot 
ism  burning  in  our  bosoms,  by  such  contempti 
ble  misrepresentations,  and  only  added  to  the 


184  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

bitter  bate  in  wbicb  we  looked  upon  these  vile 
traitors  and  inhuman  wretches,  who  guarded 
and  starved  us. 


CAUGHT    BY    HOUNDS. 

Nov.  9.  This  has  been  a  most  beautiful  day. 
Seventeen  of  the  recently  escaped  prisoners 
were  brought  in  this  morning;  forty-eight  have 
now  been  recaptured  within  the  past  three  days, 
most  of  whom  were  caught  with  hounds.  Lieut. 
Parker  was  so  torn  by  dogs  that  he  died  the 
next  day  after  his  capture. 

On  the  7th  inst,  Lieut.  J.  Clement,  of  the 
15th  Kentucky  Cavalry,  was  captured  by  a  rebel 
living  but  a  short  distance  from  Chapel's  Ferry, 
South  Carolina. 

After  the  lieutenant  had  surrendered,  the 
dogs  were  let  loose  on  him,  and  tlflis  he  was  so 
seriously  injured  as  to  be  disabled  for  a  long 
time. 

I  should  have  made  my  escape  on  the  fourth, 
had  not  my  health  been  in  such  a  delicate  state, 
that  I  could  not  have  walked  out  of  camp,  even 
had  the  road  been  clear. 

I  have  suffered  much  during  the  past  two 
weeks  with  camp  diseases,  and  am  now  so  weak 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  187 

as  to  be  unable  to  walk  without  the  aid  of  a 
friend. 

Nov.  12.  It  is  rumored  here  that  Gen.  Sher 
man  has  left  Atlanta,  and  is  moving  through 
Georgia  in  three  columns.  It  is  the  current 
opinion  that  he  will  occupy  Augusta.  The 
Great  General's  movements  are  but  little  un 
derstood  by  the  rebels;  they  are  greatly  alarmed 
and  are  concentrating  their  forces  at  Augusta. 
Quite  an  amusing  scene  enlivened  the  camp  this 
afternoon.  An  old  wild  hog  .  chanced  to  pass 
the  guard  line;  and  as  soon  as  he  came  within 
range  of  the  prisoners  a  general  advance  was 
made,  and  he  was  ours;  but  a  few  moments 
elapsed  after  the  entrance  of  Mr.  hog,  before  no 
traces  of  his  carcass  could  be  found;  from  four 
to  five  hundred  half  starved  men  were  interested 
in  the  division  of  this  small  fry,  hence  it  is  not 
wonderful  that  our  long-  eared  benefactor  very 
suddenly  disappeared. 

My  messmate,  Richardson,  was  the  first  to 
seize  a  leg  and  did  not  quit  his  hold  until  it  was 
cut  off  and  securely  lodged  in  a  mess  kettle  for 
supper.  This  is  the  first  and  only  ration  of 
meat  that  we  have  had  since  our  arrival  at  Co 
lumbia  on  the  fifth  of  October. 


188  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

"  The  black  hog  was  seen  running  through  camp  : 
Each  man  forgetting  starvation  and  cramp, 
Grunts  of  the  hog  and  its  running  were  vain  — 
Never  he'll  be  on  that  camp  ground  again." 

The  Wandering  Poet  of  New  Hampshire. 

Nov.  20.  It  is  now  very  generally  understood 
Lere  that  Sherman  is  moving  through  Georgia  in 
three  columns  ;  he  is  supposed  to  be  marching  on 
Augusta,  Macon,  and  Savannah.  There  were 
many  attempts  to  escape  during  the  fore  part  of 
last  evening ;  several  shots  were  fired  into  the 
pen  by  the  sentinels ;  one  of  the  prisoners  had 
his  arm  blown  off  in  an  effort  to  run  the  guard. 
Weather  cold,  wet  and  disagreeable. 

Nov.  23.  Lieut.  Geo.  E.  Barse,  5th  Michigan 
Cavalry,  of  whom  I  have  spoken  in  a  previous 
note,  made  his  escape  this  morning,  while  the 
prisoners  were  passing  out  on  parole  after  wood. 

The  officer  of  the  guard  had  taken  position 
without  the  guard  line  where  he  had  a  battalion 
of  men  in  readiness  to  send  to  the  woods  with 
the  paroled  prisoners,  allowing  several  to  go  at  a 
time,  and  proportioning  the  number  of  guards 
to  the  size  of  the  squad. 

As  each  party  arrives  near  the  "dead  line," 
one  of  the  number  manifests  a  desire  to  pass  out, 
at  the  same  time  exhibiting  a  paper  with  signa- 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  189 

tures  attached  to  a  written  parole.  The  officer 
of  the  guard  then  beckons  to  the  sentinel  to 
permit  them  to  cross  the  lines,  when  he  takes 
their  paroles  and  hands  them  to  one  of  a  certain 
number  of  armed  men,  who  are  detailed  to  act 
as  their  escort. 

Barse  followed  a  squad  that  observed  all  this 
necessary  formality ;  but  the  officer  and  guard 
were  none  too  bright;  and  Lieut.  B.  went  on 
rejoicing  no  doubt  af  his  good  fortune  until  he 
reached  the  woods,  when  he  claimed  that  he 
was  a  hospital  steward,  and  had  nothing  to  do 
with  the  men,  whom  he  had  only  chanced  to 
walk  out  of  camp  with.  Luckily,  there  was  no 
one  present  to  contradict  his  assertion,  and, 
without  further  ceremony,  marched  off  at  his 
pleasure. 

GOV.  BROWN'S  PROCLAMATION. 

~We  learned,  through  one  of  the  sentinels, 
this  afternoon  that  Gen.  Beauregard  and  the 
Georgia  legislature  are  at  Macon.  Gov.  Brown 
has  issued  a  proclamation,  ordering  to  the  front 
every  man  capable  of  bearing  arms. 

Thanksgiving  Day,  Nov.  24.  There  has  been 
great  suffering  in  camp  during  the  past  week, 
on  account  of  the  severity  of  the  weather. 


190      THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 


HEAVY  FROSTS  —  NO  BLANKETS. 

We  have  heavy  frosts  very  frequently.  Many 
of  the  prisoners  are  still  without  blankets,  and, 
to  prevent  chilling,  are  compelled  to  keep 
moving  during  the  night.  They  sleep  during 
the  day,  while  warmed  by  the  sun. 

Messmates  Hampton,  Richardson  and  myself 
possess  each  a  small  blanket;  but  with  even 
these,  it  is  almost  impossible  to  keep  from 
freezing. 

SLEEPING   IN    THE    MIDDLE. 

We  sleep  in  the  middle  by  turn;  and  this 
privilege  with  us  is  a  matter  of  the  gravest  im 
portance.  So  unpardonable  is  the  offence  of 
attempting  to  deprive  one  of  his  equal  rights  in 
this  respect,  that  many  quarrels  have  originated 
from  no  other  source. 

In  a  case  involving  so  much  interest,  we  do 
not  trust  to  the  memory,  but,  on  turning  out  in 
the  morning,  mark  upon  the  ground  the  name 
of  the  individual  who  is  to  have  the  choice  of 
position  at  night.  This  method  was  not  re 
sorted  to  until  we  found  it  to  be  the  only  secu 
rity  against  disputes. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE. 

The  one  who  has  the  middle  is  usually  quite 
comfortable ;  and  hence  we  are  sure  of  one 
night's  rest  in  three,  if  not  drowned  out  by  a 
rain  storm. 

• 

NO   PROSPECT    OF   AN   EXCHANGE. 

Nov.  25.  After  awaiting  our  turn  more  than 
three  weeks,  we  have  at  last  succeeded  in  secur 
ing  an  old  shovel,  and  are  now  digging  a  hole 
in  the  ground,  which  we  shall  crawl  into  at 
night  and  during  storms. 

There  seems  to  be  no  prospect  of  a.general 
exchange  of  prisoners,  and  we  are  determined 
to  make  the  best  of  our  miserable  situation. 

It  is  not  the  intention  to  spend  a  single  night 
in  this  bead's  den,  if  possible  to  effect  an  escape ; 
but  the  prisoner  has  learned  by  experience,  that 
it  is  always  policy  to  be  prepared  for  the  worst. 

RENEWED    DETERMINATION    TO    ESCAPE. 

As  for  myself,  I  shall  say  adieu  to  this  "hell 
hole"  to-morrow,  if  there  is  any  such  thing  in 
the  book. 

I  saw  friend  Lemon  this  morning,  and  pro 
posed  to  him  a  plan  for  a  le^ave  taking  of  "  Camp 
Sorghum.'* 


192        THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC. 

As  it  is  customary  to  extend  the  guard  line 
in  the  morning,  for  the  purpose  of  allowing  the 
prisoners  to  pick  up  wood  on  a  piece  ©f  timbered 
land  just  opposite  camp,  it  is  the  intention  to 
take  a  shovel  when  we  are  thus  permitted  to 
pass  to  the  woods,  and  to  make  a  hole  in  the 
ground  large  enough  to  receive  two  skeletons 
like  our  own,  and  then  getting  our  friends  to 
cover  us  with  brush  and  leaves,  we  shall  doubt 
less  be  left  without  the  camp  when  the  guard 
is  withdrawn.  Should  we  succeed  in  escaping 
the  vigilance  of  the  sentinels,  we  shall  endeavor 
to  reach  Augusta,  feeling  assured  that  den. 
Sherman  will  soon  occupy  that  place.  Many 
have  preferred  to  strike  for  Knoxville,  Tennes 
see,  considering  that  the  safest,  though  it  is 
much  the  longest  route  to  our  lines.  *  "We  shall 
incur  more  risk,  but  if  fortunate,  will  the 
sooner  be  within  the  Federal  camp. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE   ESCAPE   FROM   COLUMBIA..* 

First  Day. 

Lexington  C.  H.  Road,  six  miles  from  1 
Columbia, — Nov.  26,  1864.      / 

Not  having  had  access  to  the  papers  for  some 
time  past,  in  our  pen  at  Columbia,  we  were,  of 
course,  in  utter  ignorance  of  the  state  of  things 
without.  Rumor,  however  —  a  daily  which  could 
not  well  he  excluded — had  informed  us  that  Gen. 
Sherman  was  between  Macon  and  Augusta; 
and  believing  him  to  be  in  need  of  recruits,  I 
at  once  determined  to  offer  him  my  services. 
Several  prisoners  being  out  on  parole  this  morn 
ing,  myself  among  the  number,  I  observed  one 
of  the  guard  to  be  a  stupid  looking  fellow,  and 
proposed  testing  his  abilities  before  he  should 

*  Written  during  the  escape,  while  in  the  swamps  and 
cotton  gins  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  where  we  were 
secreted  by  the  ever  faithful  negroes. 


194  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

be  relieved  by  one  of  brighter  appearance. 
Accordingly,  I  hastened  back  to  camp,  had  my 
parole  revoked,  and  then  hurried  to  the  quarters 
of  Lieut.  M.  W.  Lemon,  of  the  14th  N.  Y. 
Heavy  Artillery,  a  man  of  courage  and  enter 
prise,  and  one  who  would  enter  heartily  into 
any  plan  for  escape.  I  only  told  him  to  meet 
me  at  a  certain  point,  and  be  ready  to  leave  the 
pen  in  three  minutes. 

No  time  was  lost  in  packing  or  checking  our 
baggage  to  any  given  point ;  and  we  also  deemed 
it  unnecessary  to  bid  our  friends  good  bye,  or  to 
thank  the  proprietors  for  hospitalities  received. 

PASSING    THE    DEAD    LINE. 

We  were  soon  at  the  specified  place,  passed 
up  to  the  "dead  line"  as  if  that  point  possessed 
no  further  interest  to  us,  and  were  in  the  act  of 
stepping  over,  when  the  aforementioned  worthy 
brought  his  gun  to  bear  upon  me  with  an  un 
comfortable  precision ;  at  the  same  time  ordering 
a  halt. 

"Where  are  you  going,  Yanks?"  he  de 
manded  ;  but,  with  an  air  of  offended  dignity,  I 
only  said,  "Do  you  halt  paroled  prisoners  here?  " 
His  meek  "No,  sir,"  was  almost  lost  in  the  dis- 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  195 

tance,  as  1  boldly  crossed  the  dreaded  line, 
adding,  "Then  let  the  gentleman  in  the  rear 
follow  me ;"  and  so  we  passed,  while  the  bril 
liant  sentinel  murmured,  "All  right." 

And  right  it  was ;  for  now  we  were  free, 
breathing  the  fresh  air,  untainted  by  the  breath 
of  hundreds  of  famishing,  diseased  and  dying 
men. 

MEETING    NEGROES. 

The  country,  outside  of  cities  and  villages  at 
the  south,  is  always  so  sparsely  settled  that, 
once  on  the  road,  and  no  hounds  upon  the 
track,  one  can  readily  find  places  of  conceal 
ment.  Of  course  it 'was  our  policy  at  the  first 
to  keep  comparatively  scarce  for  a  time  ;  but 
soon  after  dark  we  struck  the  Lexington  Court 
House  road,  and  directly  came  upon  a  company 
of  negroes,  returning  from  work  upon  govern 
ment  fortifications. 

They  were  three  in  number  ;•  and  after  assur 
ing  ourselves  of  their  color,  we  agreed  to  make 
their  acquaintance. 

This  was  readily  done  after  convincing  them 
we  were  not  rebels  in  disguise,  although  either 
one  would  have  sworn  he  never  saw  a  Yankee  ; 


196  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

as   it  would  have  been   death   to  him  to  have 
been  found  in  our  society. 

One  of  the  party,  Ben  Stedman  by  name, 
was  soon  secured  as  a  guide ;  and,  to  avoid  un 
pleasant  surprises,  we  agreed  upon  keeping  in 
his  rear,  as  he  would  be  always  safe,  while  a 
recognition  of  ourselves  would  be  neither  safe 
nor  pleasant. 

BLIND    ROADS. 

We  marched  nearly  twenty  miles  during  the 
night,  Ben  assuring  us  that  there  were  no  pickets 
on  the  way.  By  some  means  we  had  left  the 
highway  and  entered  a  blind  road  which  came 
near  giving  us  trouble.  These  blind  roads  are 
a  regular  institution  at  the  south,  for  instead  of 
leading  to  some  town  or  village  as  at  the  north, 
one  is  suddenly  brought  up  in  some  man's  door 
yard,  and  is  soon  surrounded  by  all  the  members 
of  the  plantation. 

We  were  about  eighteen  miles  south  of  Co 
lumbia  when 

A    PICKET    OF   EIGHT    MEN, 

but   one   of  them   awake,   stopped  our  further 
progress.     This  one  §*ave  the  challenge,  "who 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  197 

comes  there?"  when  our  guide  answered, 
"Friends,"  though  Lieut.  L.  and  myself  were 
not  coming  in  that  direction  at  all,  but  flying  in 
an  opposite  course  as  fast  as  our  legs  could  carry 
us.  Ben  as  we  afterwards  learned,  made  a  good 
story  about  two  other  darkies  being  along,  get 
ting  scared  and  running  away,  adding, 


"  I    DUN    NO    WHAT    MAKE   DEM    NIGGERS    RUN    SO." 

His  story  being  corroborated  by  those  who  had 
seen  him  leave  the  works,  he  was  soon  set  at 
liberty,    ready   to   do   another  good  job  when 
called  for. 
About  an  hour  later  we  stumbled  upon 


ANOTHER   PICKET 

of  five  men,  but  being  unable  to  flank  them  on 
account  of  a  swamp,  halted  and  slept  near  them 
until  morning.  We  had  eaten  nothing  save  a 
small  piece  of  corn  bread  since  leaving  Colum 
bia,  and  had  not  dared  to  present  ourselves 
before  any  habitation ;  bat  hoped  to  break  oar 
long  fast  after  ten  o'clock  the  next  night. 


198  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

Second  Day. 

Barnwell,  0.  H.  Road,  near  Black  | 
Creek,  S.  G.f—Nov.  28.      / 

'We  reached  the  junction  of  four  roads  at  12 
o'clock  last  night,  and  fortunately  found  a  friend 
in  an  old  guide  board.  Jumping  upon  my 
companion's  shoulders,  I  was  enabled  by  the 
light  of  the  moon  to  decide  upon  the  course  to 
be  pursued. 

We  halted  at  two  o'clock  A.  M.  near  the  plan 
tation  of  Alexander  Taylor,  and  were  made 
known  of  our  proximity  to  that  residence  by 
the  furious  barking  of  a  dog,  about  daylight. 

I-  for  one,  felt  it  unnecessary  for  him  to  ap 
prise  us.  that  morning  had  arrived,  and  was  at 
once  upon  my  feet.  Running  I  knew  would  be 
nonsense,  especially  as  the  planter's  wife  had 
been  attracted  by  the  tumult. 

My  companion  preferred  remaining  at  a  safe 
distance  from  his  dogship,  while  I  approached 
the  ladies  who  were  already  assembled  near, 
and  after  learning  there  were  no  white  men  on 
the  plantation,  I  frankly  stated  my  case,  and 
appealed  to  their  sympathies  for  something  to 
eat.  They  were  at  first  unwilling  to  grant  me 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  201 

any  assistance.  Mrs.  Taylor  said  that  her  hus 
band  was  in  the  Confederate  army,  that  her 
heart  was  with  the  southern  people,  and  further, 
that  she  thought  it  wrong  for  her  to  aid  a  Yan 
kee  in  making  his  escape.  I  then  addresssed  to 
her  a  "brief  speech,  recounting  in  pitiful  terms 
my  misfortunes,  and  my  disappointment,  should 
I  fail  in  reaching  Gen.  Sherman's  lines. 


KINDNESS    OF    MRS.    TAYLOR. 

Mrs.  Taylor  made  no  reply  to  my  soul-stirring 
speech  other  than  "  she  would  see  what  could 
he  done  for  me;"  which  resulted  in  a  generous 
supply  of  corn  bread,  bacon  and  sweet  potatoes. 

After  extorting  a  promise  from  the  ladies 
that  they  would  not  betray  us,  I  promised  Mrs. 
Taylor  that  if  ever  her  husband  came  in  Yankee 
hands,  I  would  see  that  no  harm  befel  him  ; 
and  this  promise  I  would  have  kept,  even  at  the 
expense  of  my  own  life. 

The  rations  were  soon  hurried  into  my 
haversack,  and  after  again  thanking  my  bene 
factress  for  her  kindness,  I  returned  to  my 
companion,  when  we  hastened  off  to  a  thicket 
in  the  woods,  built  a  pine  knot  tire,  roasted  our 
potatoes  and  made 


202      THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN. 
A  ROYAL  BREAKFAST! 

Oh  ye  who  sleep  on  beds  of  down  in  your 
curtained  chambers,  and  rise  at  your  leisure  to 
feast  upon  the  good  things  provided  —  smile  not 
when  I  say  you  never  knew  the  luxury  of  a 
night  of  rest,  nor  the  sweets  of  a  meal  seasoned 
by  hunger,  and  the  grateful  remembrance  that 
it  was  provided  by  woman's  kindly  heart,  which 
wherever  it  may  beat,  sooner  or  later  responds 
to  the  tale  of  misfortune  and  suffering  hu 
manity. 

A  bath  in  a  stream  near  by,  with  the  washing 
of  our  stockings,  completed  the  duties  of  the 
morning,  and  we  were  glad  to  rest,  being  weary, 
weak  and  sore,  the  result  of  violent  walking. 

I  apprehend  little  danger  of  recapture,  unless 
hounds  are  put  on  track,  and  as  we  travel  only 
by  night  shall  not  be  recognized;  besides  we 
proceed  with  the  greatest  caution. 

Fourth  Day. 

Near  North  Edisto  River,  on  the  road  to  ) 
Aiken,  S.  C.,— Nov.  29.      / 

"We  reached  Black  Creek  this  morning  just 
before  day  break,  and  while  crossing  the  bridge 
over  said  stream, 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  203 

MET  A  NEGRO 

on  his  way  to  work,  who  turned  back  and  con 
ducted  us  to  a  hut  for  safe  keeping  during  the 
day. 

This  hut,  familiarly  known  throughout  the 
neighborhood  as  "  Aunt  Katy's,"  is  the  gather 
ing  place  for  all  in  want  of  assistance.  lu  an 
incredibly  short  space  of  time  all  the  blacks  on 
the  plantation  were  here  assembled. 

A   PRAYER    MEETING 

was  improvised  for  our  especial  benefit,  and 
which  was  conducted  in  a  manner  both  credita 
ble*  to  themselves  and  amusing  to  us.  The  bur 
den  of  their  petitions  was,  that  all  the  prisoners 
held  by  the  rebels  might  make  a  general  exodus 
and  reach  the  Yankee  lines  in  safety ;  that  we  in 
particular  might  succeed  in  making  our  escape ; 
and  that  our  armies  might  speedily  conquer  the 
whole  of  Secessfa,  liberate  the  slaves,  and  take 
possession  of  the  land. 

As  faith  without  works  is  of  little  avail,  their 
next  step  was  to  make  arrangements  for  our 
future. 

It  was  now  daylight,  and  we  were  advised  to 
remain  in  our  present  quarters  for  the  day.  as- 


204  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

suring  us  that  "  no  white  folks  nebber  come 
near  Aunt  Katy's.  So,  don't  be  afraid,  Massa." 

After  the  necessary  instructions  for  our  jour 
ney,  which  was  to  re-commence  at  ten  o'clock 
p.  M.,  they  dispersed  to  their  labors,  promising 
to  prepare  our  rations  in  time  for  us  to  proceed 
at  that  hour. 

"We  left  Black  Creek  at  the  appointed  time 
with 

A    NEGRO    GUIDE, 

who,  by  the  way,  was  a  friend  of  Ben  Stedman. 
Ben,  he  said,  was  taken  prisoner,  as  before 
related ;  and,  upon  examination,  told  the  plau 
sible  story  aforementioned,  that  Lemon  and 
myself  were  two  foolish  darkies  who  were 
scared  at  the  pickets.  The  latter  part  of  his 
narrative  being  strictly  true,  it  was  hardly  ne 
cessary  for  us  to  rectify  the  former. 

Ben  was  afterward  brought  to  our  hiding 
place  in  the  thicket  by  his  colored  friend  from 
Black  Creek,  and  kindly  offered  his  services  for 
the  occasion. 

We  told  him  we  were  anxious  to  learn  of 
Gen.  Sherman's  movements,  and  would  like  a 
paper.  He  insisted  upon  our  going  to  his  hut, 
although  we  much  preferred  the  swamp ;  but 


AND  THE   ESCAPE.  205 

were  at  last  prevailed  upon  to  accompany  him. 
Arriving  "here,  we  were  politely  introduced  to 
Mrs.  Stedman  and  family.  They  viewed  a  live 
Yankee  with  not  a  little  curiosity;  after  which, 
Ben  instructed  his  daughter  to  go  into  her  mis- 
tres's  house  and  snatch  a  paper  at  the  earliest 
opportunity.  She  soon  came  running  back  with 

THE    "AUGUSTA    CONSTITUTIONALIST/' 

published  this  morning.  The  celerity  with 
which  the  blacks  carry  off  a  desired  article,  or 
accomplish  a  mission  for  a  friend,  is  truly  won 
derful  ;  and  no  watchfulness  on  the  part  of  their 
masters  can  stay  a  project  when  once  the  heart 
is  in  it. 

CROSSING.  THE   NORTH    EDISTO. 

Having  possessed  ourselves  of  the  contents 
of  the  paper,  we  struck  the  road  and  crossed 
the  North  Edisto  at  ten, o'clock  p.  M. 

The  water  was  over  the  bridge  in  many  places. 
So  we  were  compelled  to  ford  the  stream. 

"We  intended  to  reach  and  cross  the  South 
Edisto  before  morning,  but  have  become   con 
fused  by  the  intersection  of  blind  roads,  and. 
have  concluded  to  halt. 
18 


206  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

Fifth  Day. 

On  the  South  Edisto,  Wednes- 1 
day, — November  3C.      J 

Had  a  breakfast  of  hoe  cake  and  pindars  ;  the 
latter  being  known  at  the  north  as  pea-nuts. 
Lieut.  L.  and  myself  were  in  great  tribulation 
at  day-break  owing  to  the  loss  of  our  moorings. 
The  blind  road  which  we  followed  last  night 
seemed  to  terminate  in  a  swamp.  There  were 
no  stars  visible,  and  we  had  not  yet  learned  to 
take  the  moon  for  a  guide.  Besides,  the  hea 
venly  bodies  at  this  season  of  the  year,  and  in 
this  latitude,  have  so  different  an  appearance 
from  those  seen  north  that  they  confuse  us.  We 
are,  therefore,  "down  the  banks,"  and  deem  it 
policy  to  go  no  farther  before  ascertaining  our 
whereabouts. 

Here  we  remained  until  about  ten  o'clock,  but 
saw  no  one,  and  concluded  it  was  high  time  to 
change  our  base  of  operations,  and  find  our 
colored  friends  again.  So,  taking  a  southeast 
erly  direction,  making  the  sun  our  guide,  we 
proceeded,  and  many  were  the  adventures  and 
hair  breadth  escapes  with  which  we  met. 

We  struck  the  Aiken  road  at  ten  o'clock  this 
evening,  and  have  just  crossed  the  South  Edisto. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  207 

OTHER    DIFFICULTIES. 

"We  are  net  yet  out  of  the  swamp  along  the 
river,  and  shall  be  compelled  to  "lie  low"  until 
morning,  as  we  have  discovered  pickets,  and 
cannot  flank  them,  as  they  have  planted  them 
selves  in  the  road,  and  there  is  a  pond  on  either 
side.  Oh  for  some  Moses  to  cut  us  a  path 
through  the  deep,  or  a  Sampson  to  disperse  our 
foes  until  we  can  reach  the  promised  land. 


Sixth  Day. 

south  of  the  1 
,— Dec.  1.       j 


Aiken  Road,  seven  miles  south  of  tlie 
South  Edisto 


Day-break  found  us  in  a  bad  situation.  Pick 
ets  and  plantation  before  us,  and  no  water  to  be 
obtained. 

An  elevated  table  land,  entirely  destitute  of 
water,  was  passed  over,  and,  after  walking 
seven  miles,  a  good  drink  was  the  reward,  and 
we  were  glad  to  rest  awhile  after  quenching 
our  thirst. 

Here  we  lay  concealed  in  a  thicket  until  ten 
o'clock  P.  M.,  and  then  proceeded  on  our  jour 
ney. 


208  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

Seventh  Day. 

Four   miles  north    of  Aiken,  1 
Friday,—  Dec.  2.      j 

We  halted  at  day-light,  about  a  mile  from  our 
present  hiding  place,  near  a  stream  of  water, 
but  were  not  destined  to  a  long  stay  in  so 
delightful  a  location  ;  for,  as  Lemon  was  re 
turning  from  the  creek  he  espied  a  colored 
boy  in  the  road,  bearing  a  basket  on  his  arm. 
"  Hold  on,  my  boy,  I  want  to  see  you,"  he  sang 
out ;  thinking,  mean  time,  that  the  basket 
doubtless  contained  what  we  most  needed,  some 
thing  of  an  eatable  character. 

We  inferred  the  boy  had  a  chicken  with  him  ; 
for  saying  thpt  word,  in  a  manner  which  beto 
kened  the  greatest  fear,  he  set  off  at  a  wild  run, 
and  I  would  have  defied  a  race  horse  to  catch 
him.  As  for  the  lieutenant,  after  exhausting  all 
his  rhetoric  in  endeavoring  to  bring  back  the 
boy,  he  returned  to  the  spot  where  I  lay,  saying 
"  Now  they  will  have  us  again,,  and  we  shall  be 
prisoners  before  night." 

" Never  fear,"  I  said,  "as  long  as  there  is  a 
swamp  in  the  neighborhood;"  and,  without  far 
ther  ceremony,  we  picked  up  our  baggage  and 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  209 

hastily  decamped.  Flora  Temple  would  have 
been  distanced  had  she  attempted  to  overtake 
us ;  for  her  stakes  would  have  been  only  a  few 
dollars  to  her  owners,  while  ours  were  life  and 
liberty. 

PURSUED   BY   BUSHWHACKERS. 

Our  present  position  gives  us  a  good  view  of 
the  road,  while  WQ  cannot  be  seen  by  those 
passing  below.  Several  old  bushwhackers  have 
gone  down  to  Aiken,  thinking  no  boubt,  that 
the  foolish  Yankees  of  whom  the  colored  boy 
has  told  them,  will  be  so  verdant  as  to  pass 
through  town  to-night.  But  they  will  learn 
their  mistake,  as  our  intention  is  to  flank  them. 

Eighth  Day. 

In  a  corn-fodder  house,  near  1 
Aiken,  S.  C.,—  Dec.  3.      / 

In  spite  of  our  intentions  to  the  contrary, 
we  were  surprised  to  find  ourselves  in  the  vil 
lage  last  evening.  Soon  after  dark  we  struck 
the  road,  and  found  we  had  been  but  a  short 
distance  out  when  we  thought  ourselves  four 
miles  off.  "We  passed  hurriedly  through  on  the 
main  road  to  Augusta. 


210  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

MEETING   ESCAPED   PRISONERS. 

Here  we  met  Capt.  Bryant,  of  the  5th  N.  Y. 
Cavalry,  and  his  companion.  They  were  greatly 
alarmed  at  our  approach  and  set  oft'  on  a  run, 
until  we  cried  out,  "  Don't  be  uneasy  Yanks, 
we  are  friends."  I  at  once  knew  them  to  he 
escaped  prisoners,  and  they  seeing  the  same  in 
us,  returned,  and  briefly  told  us  their  adven 
tures.  They  had  a  negro  guide,  who  was  to 
secrete  them  in  a  hut  until  night  again,  when 
they  were  to  proceed  as  we  had  done,  and  reach 
the  lines  of  freedom  by  the  nearest  route. 

APPROACHING  A  NEGRO. 

At  daylight,  L.  and  myself  found  ourselves 
in  a  swamp  about  a  mile  out  of  town. 

The  familiar  sound  of  an  ax  now  fell  upon 
our  ears,  and  cautiously  approaching,  I  saw  a 
colored  boy  cutting  wood.  I  soon  made  myself 
known  to  him,  told  him  my  story,  and  asked 
for  food  and  a  place  of  secretion.  He  assured 
me  he  would  do  all  in  his  power  for  Yankees, 
and  after  piloting  us  up  to  this  fodder  house,  he 
went  to  the  negro  quarters  and  brought  over  a 
hoe  cake  and  some  bacon. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  211 

After  dark  a  large  number  of  colored  boys 
and  girls  came  up  to  pay  their  respects.  They 
entertained  us  with  their  views  of  the  war,  and 
proposed  a  prayer  meeting  for  our  especial  bene 
fit;  also  told  us  where  to  look  out  for  trouble 
from  bushwhackers,  hounds,  and  so  forth.  Our 
parting  from  these  friendly  people  was  .tender 
and  affecting;  each  one  shaking  hands,  and 
saying  "  God  bless  you,  massa." 


Ninth  Day. 

Between  Grantsville  and  Hamburg,  "I 
Suuday, — December  4.       J 

We  left  Aiken  at  ten  o'clock  last  night,  and 
passed  through  Grantsville  just  as  a  freight  train 
was  leaving  for  Augusta.  Tried  hard  to  get  a 
passage  upon  one  of  the  cars,  but  found  the 
doors  all  closed  and  locked.  Our  intention  was 
to  ride  into  Augusta,  and,  while  it  was  still 
dark,  make  our  way  out  of  the  city. 

We  had  designed  crossing  the  river  below  the 
city;  but  the  blacks  informed  us  that  all  the 
small  boats  were  destroyed  along  the  Savannah, 
to  prevent  the  slaves  escaping.  This  is  a  greater 
misfortune  to  us  than  them,  as  sooner  or  later 


212  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

they  will  be  free ;  while  with  us,  it  is  a  matter 
of  debate  for  some  time  to  come. 

We  hope  to  take  the  cars  at  Hamburg  before 
day-break  to-morrow  morning.  This  will  be  a 
dangerous  undertaking,  but  I  see  no  other  way 
of  getting  into  Georgia.  It  will  not  be  neces 
sary  to  procure  tickets,  or  to  have  any  acquaint 
ance  with  the  conductor ;  so  we  shall  make  that 
worthy  as  little  trouble  as  possible. 


GOOD   MUSIC  —  GREATLY   ENCOURAGED. 

Heavy  cannonading  has  been  sounding  in  our 
ears  all  day.  It  comes  from  a  southeasterly 
direction,  and  is  the  sweetest  music  we  have 
heard  for  many  an  hour.  It  seems  as  if  we 
were  in  the  neighborhood  of  friends,  and  we 
take  heart,  feeling  encouraged  for  the  future. 


FOLLOWED   BY   A   HOUND. 

A  hound  followed  us  for  a  mile  or  more  this 
morning  after  we  left  Grantsville;  but  I  think 
be  barked  upon  his  own  responsibility,  as  he 
soon  ceased,  and  gave  up  the  chase. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  213 


Tenth  Day. 

Near  Aiken  and  Charleston  Railroad, 
Monday, —  December  5. 

We  have  laid  in  a  thicket  since  morning,  and 
were  greatly  surprised  to  learn  this  evening  tfiat 
instead  of  taking  the  road  for  Augusta  we  were 
en  route  for  Charleston — traveling  east  rather 
than  south;  and  having  not  the  least  desire  to 
visit  the  last  named  city.  Our  distance  east  of 
Aiken  is  seventeen  miles ;  a  bad  mistake  to  be 
sure.  But  Providence  seems  still  to  favor  us, 
as  we  learn,  through  our  colored  friends,  that 
we  can  cross  the  Savannah  twenty  miles  below 
Augusta,  at  a  place  called  Point  Comfort.  Our 
army  is  now  marching  on  Savannah.  So  We 
have  rather  gained  than  lost  by  our  mistake. 

This  evening  we  are  making  for  Tinker  Creek; 
and,  having  been  refreshed  throughout  the  inner 
man,  are  in  excellent  spirits.  We  have  secured 
a  good  stock  of  hoe  cake  and  sweet  potatoes, 
and  have  been  posted  in  regard  to  the  country 
as  far  as  the  river. 


214  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

Eleventh  Day. 

Near  Tinker  Creek,  S.  C.,  Tues-  \ 
day, — December  6.       J 

The  weather  is  very  cold,  and  we  suffer  much 
from  its  severity.  During  the  night  we  came  to 
a. fork  in  the  road  but  a  few  rods  from  a  planta 
tion. 

A  RACE. 

After  debating  for  some  time  as  to  which  road 
we  should  take,  I  jumped  over  the  fence,  and 
made  for  a  negro  hut,  while  several  hounds  from 
the  plantation  followed  hard  on  my  track.  I 
managed,  by  some  tall  running,  to  come  out 
ahead  and  get  into  the  hut,  at  the  same,  time 
bidding  Cuffee  to  call  in  the  dogs  and  make 
them  lie  down,  which  he  accordingly  did.  While 
my  colored  friend  was  thus  engaged,  I  had  an 
opportunity  of  surveying  the  interior  of  his 
domicil. 

* 

SOMETHING   FOR  THE    HAVERSACK. 

"What  was  most  pleasing  to  my  eyes,  as  well 
as  olfactories,  was  a  skillet  of  fresh  pork,  cook 
ing  over  the  fire,  and  a  hoe  cake  in  the  ashes. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  215 

Without  waiting  for  ceremony,  or  inquiring 
where  my  poor  host  would  obtain  another  break 
fast,  I  emptied  the  skillet  into  my  haversack 
and  snatched  the  half  baked  hoe  cake  from  its 
warm  resting  place. 

Cuffee  of  course  understood  my  wants,  and  1 
only  said,  "  Uncle,  which  road  must  this  rebel 
take  for  Tinker  Creek?"  Again  bidding  him 
to  have  a  care  for  the  hounds  until  morning,  I 
rushed  out  to  the  road  and  soon  joined  my  com 
panion. 

Twelfth  Day. 

Near  Point  Comfort,  Wednes- 1 
day, —  December  7.      / 

We  left  Tinker  Greek  last  evening  at  eight 
o'clock,  and  traveled  fifteen  miles  with  a  guide. 
Halted  at  length  near  a  large  plantation,  where 
we  were  advised  to  make  the  acquaintance  of 
some  colored  boys,  and  engage  them  to  take  us 
down  to  the  river.  The  blacks  are  everywhere 
our  friends,  and  render  us  all  the  assistance  in 
their  power.  To-day,  while  we  were  stowed 
away  in  a  deep  pit,  a  party  of  lads  came  within 
fifteen  feet  of  our  hiding  place.  They  were  out 


216  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

squirrel  hunting,  and  came  near  finding  larger 
game. 

Made  a  breakfast  of  hoe  cake  and  pindars, 
and  supped  on  pindars  without  the  hoc  cake. 
Shall  endeavor  to  cross  the  river  to-night. 
Every  day  puts  us  further  from  our  hated  pri 
son,  and  nearer  Gen.  Sherman's  lines. 

Thirteenth  Day. 

In  a  cypress  swamp,  on  the  Savannah,  | 
Thursday,— Dec.  8.      / 

We  reached  the  Savannah  at  ten  o'clock  last 
night,  and  were  so  fortunate  as  to  find  a  kind- 
hearted  colored  fisherman  who  was  acquainted 
with  every  bend  in  the  river;  he  had  followed 
the  river  before  the  war,  and  now  proposed  tak 
ing  up  his  old  trade  in  our  favor. 

He  carried  cotton  and  pitch  to  a  small  tribu 
tary  of  the  Savannah,  where  lay  an  old  cypress 
tree  canoe,  which  he  had  formerly  used  for  fish 
ing.  It  had  recently  passed  under  the  boat- 
destroyer's  notice,  and  had  been  pretty  roughly 
handled. 

VIEWING    OUR   LITTLE    CRAFT   BY    MOONLIGHT. 

When  we  first  surveyed  it  by  moonlight,  I 
confess  to  a  want  of  faith  in  its  being  able  to 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  217 

carry  us  to  the  other  side.  Our  faithful  pilot 
worked  ha  d  all  night  caulking  and  pitching 
her  seams,  until  near  daybreak,  when  he  threw 
it  into  tV  stream,  exclaiming,  "Now  she  is 
ready  massa,  I  will  soon  land  you  in  Georgia." 


BAILING    FOR   LIFE. 

"We  hastily  took  our  seats  in  the  boat  which  was 
leaking  fearfully,  and  while  our  pilot  pulled  for 
the  opposite  shore,  L.  and  myself  bailed  for  dear 
life,  expecting  every  moment  to  go  to  the  bot 
tom.  We  reached  the  opposite  shore  just  as 
our  old  craft  was  full,  jumped  into  near  two 
feet  of  water  and  pulled  the  boat  after  us. 

When  we  started  for  the  swamp,  our  good 
friend  was  patiently  wadding  his  old  canoe  with 
cotton,  preparatory  to  a  return  to  his  home. 
May  he  get  there  in  safety,  and  carry  many 
another  poor  fellow  on  his  way  rejoicing.  It  is 
late  in  the  afternoon,  and  we  have  become  be 
wildered  in  the  swamp,  and  apprehend  difficulty 
in  reaching  the  highlands.  We  are  surrounded 
by  an  innumerable  number  of  streams  and  pond 
holes,  while  a  number  of 


19 


218  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 


ALLIGATORS 

have  been .  watching  our  motions,  apparently 
pleased  at  our  misfortunes,  and  sending  loving 
glances  in  this  direction.  They  too  may  belong 
to  some  detachment  of  Southern  Chivalry,  and 
are  doing  duty  on  their  own  grounds. 

Fourteenth  Day. 

Near  Brier  Creek,  Georgia,  "1 
Friday, —  December  9.      / 

Found  our  way  out  of  the  swamp  last  night, 
by  taking 

THE    NORTH    STAR 

as  our  guide.  How  many  a  wanderer  has  found 
his  home,  and  how  many  a  prisoner  his  release, 
by  following  this  never  erring  guide.  No  won 
der  the  heathen  nations  bow  down  in  admira 
tion  and  worship  before  the  heavenly  bodies, 
and  many  a  weary  pilgrim,  in  more  enlightened 
lands,  feels  like  rearing  an  altar  to  the  pole 
star  of  his  freedom.  We  traveled  fourteen 
m?iles  last  night,  and  to-day  are  again  concealed 
in  a  swamp,  where  we  can  see  all  that  passes, 
though  no  one  can  see  us,  unless  some  enquir 
ing  hound  should  scent  our  whereabouts,  and 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  219 

publish  the  news  to  his  master.  I  have  a  notion 
that  even  the  dumh  animals  in  this  Godless 
country  have  a  peculiar  instinct  of  what  is  re 
quired  of  them,  and  are  rewarded  accordingly. 

We  have  as  yet  no  information  of  Gen.  Sher 
man's  army.  The  bridges  across  all  the  princi 
pal  streams  are  destroyed,  or  heavily  guarded. 
A  large 

CAVALRY   PATROL 

passed  near  us  to-day,  so  we  keep  quiet  and  eat 
our  sweet  potatoes  raw,  they  being  the  only 
rations  we  have,  and  a  fire  out  of  the  question. 
How  good  a  breakfast  at  home  would  taste  just 
now,  and  how  willingly  the  dear  ones  there 
would  furnish  it.  It  would  be  no  common 
meal,  each  one  would  strive  to  bring  the  sweet 
est  morsel,  and  I  should  ache  with  a  surfeit, 
where  I  now  feel  a  vacant,  unsatisfied  longing. 

Found  an  old  darkey 'splitting  rails  near  our 
hiding  place  this  morning.  He  has  agreed  to 
bring  us  some  hoe  cake,  and  best  of  all,  thinks 
he  can  repair 

MY    OLD    SHOES. 

These  shoes,  like  many  other  unimportant  look 
ing  things,  have  a  history.  Shortly  after  my 


220  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

capture  I  was  relieved  of  my  cavalry  boots,  and 
a  pair  of  pasted  shoes  given  me,  which  yielded 
to  the  first  moisture  and  left  me  worse  than  bare 
foot.  A  fellow  prisoner  having  received  a  re 
mittance  of  good  things  from  home,  among 
them  a  pair  of  boots,  kindly  presented  me  with 
his  shoes.  Smile  not  gentle  reader  at  the  gift, 
for  to  me  they  were  invaluable  ;  and  with  these  I 
marched  many  weary  miles,  although  they, were 
patched  and  wired  together  until  little  remained 
of  their  former  substance,  and  now  they  were 
well  nigh  gone.  Cuffee  took  them  home,  and 
spent  the  greater  part  of  the  night  in  making 
them  answer  their  appointed  end.  A  piece  of 
possum  skin  formed  the  uppers,  and  were  nicely 
tucked  under.  A  slit  at  the  instep  admitted  the 
foot ;  but  I  was  forced  to  find  fault  with  my 
colored  cobbler  for  this  breach,  though  I  soon 
learned,  not  from  him  alone,  but  from  experi 
ence,  that  the  darkey  knew  best,  for  the  skin  of 
the  possum,  though  soft  and  pliable  when  moist, 
is  soon  harder  than  sheet  iron  or  any  other  of 
its  kindred  metals.  My  feet  are  sore,  and  suf 
fer  much  from  their  nightly  ablutions  in  two  or 
three  fevt  of  swamp  water.  . 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  221 

Fifteenth  Day. 

Near  Go'dbey's  Bridge,  five  miles  from  Alex- 1 
ander,  Ga.,  Saturday, — December  10.      j 

The  weather  is  rainy,  and  we  are  suffering 
much  from  cold  and  exposure.  Could  not  move 
last  night  on  account  of  the  rain,  and  still  pursue 
our  swamp  life. 

Have  had  nothing  to  eat  to-day,  save  an  ear 
of  dry  corn,  picked  up  on  an  old  camping 
ground,  and  refused  by  some  aristocratic  horse. 
A  detachment  of  Wheeler's  Cavalry  passed  here 
yesterday  morning.  We  shall  move  toward 
Millin  to-night. 


Sixteenth  Day. 

Between  Station  No.  1  and  Millin,. Ga.,  1 
Sunday, — December  11.       J 

Weather  cold  and  rainy  still,  and  we*  are 
obliged  to  run  to  make  ourselves  comfortable. 

We  left  Godbey's  Bridge  last  night  at  eight 
o'clock,  and  traveled  until  daylight.  Made 
about  twenty  miles,  and  are  very  hungry  and 
weary  this  morning.  The  roads  are  in  a  bad 
condition.  Mud  deep,  and  the  streams  much 
swollen. 


222  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

FORDING    STREAMS    AND    BACKING   EACH   OTHER. 

We  took  off  our  shoes  and  forded  four  large 
creeks.  L.  and  myself  agreed  upon  carrying 
each  other  over  these  bridgeless  torrents ;  and 
I  selfishly  took  the  first  rides,  hoping  each  one 
would  be  the  last.  My  turn,  however,  at  length 
arrived.  So,  shouldering  the  mighty  lieutenant, 
as  boys  at  school  pay  their  forfeits,  I  plunged 
into  the  water,  and  resolutely  bore  my  burden 
to  the  deepest  point,  when,  through  no  fault  of 
mine,  the  depth  was  either  too  great,  or  I,  poor 
boy,  too  short  to  keep  the  worthy  gentleman's 
feet  dry;  and  the  consequence  was,  he  got  a 
thorough  soaking,  and  afterward  chose  to  do  his 
own  wading,  though  often  lending  me  a  helping 
hand  through  the  worst  places.  The  lieutenant 
could  swim,  but  I  could  not. 

Seventeenth  Day. 

In  a  swamp  on  the  Savannah  River  Road,  ) 
Monday, — December  12.       J 

We  did  not  commence  our  tramp  until  near 
day-light  to-day.  The  weather  is  so  cold,  and 
the  water  so  high,  that  little  can  be  gained  by 
moving. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  223 

We  are,  evidently,  *on  Gen.  Sherman's  line 
of  march,  though  he  is  six  days  in  advance  of 
as.  Would  the  good  man  halt  awhile  if  he 
knew  we  were  in  pursuit  of  him  ?  I  think,  from 
his  kind  heart,  he  would  at  least  send  out  a 
small  detachment  for  us  ;  and  then  how  gladly 
we  would  ride  into  camp,  and  how  willingly 
share  the  fortunes  of  his  brave  legions  in  their 
triumphant  march  to  the  sea.  We  have  been 
in  motion  nearly  all  day;  and,  besides,  have 
been  chased  by  hounds.  If  the  wretches  knew 
how  little  there  is  left  of  us,  I  think  they  would 
give  up  the  pursuit  as  fruitless.  Next  to  a  good 
meal  for  ourselves,  a  small  amount  of  strych 
nine  and  fresh  meat  would  be  our  most  desirable 
offering  to  the  dogs;  and  1  would  advise  all 
future  travelers  to  go  prepared  with  that  com 
modity. 

Eighteenth  Day. 

Sixty  miles  north  of  Savannah,  1 
Tuesday. — December  13.       J 

We  started  out  last  evening  at  eight  o'clock, 
and  are  still  following  the  line  of  our  own 
army.  We  are  without  food,  and  sorely  pressed 


224  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

with  hunger.  Now  and  then  we  find  an  ear  of 
corn,  left  by  the  rebel  cavalrymen.  Last  even 
ing  we  stopped  at  a  plantation,  and,  seeing  no 
plantation  house,  concluded  they  were  all  negro 
huts.  Approaching  the  most  respectable  look 
ing  one,  I  rapped  at  the  door,  when  some  one 
sang  out,  "  Whose  thar  ? "  From  the  answer,  I 
was  unable  to  guess  whether  the  occupants  were 
black  or  white,  and  accordingly  said,  "  Are  you 
black  or  white  in  there  ?  "  The  answer :  "  There 
aint  no  niggers  here;"  and  the  very  indignant 
tone  satisfied  me  that  I  had  fallen  upon  some 
"poor  white  trash,"  as  they  are  here  familiarly 
called. 


ACTING  THE  PART  OF  A  REBEL. 

Determined  to  have  something  to  eat,  at  all 
events,  besides  being  anxious  to  learn  something 
of  our  course,  I  assumed  a  tone  of  offended 
dignity  and  summoned  the  speaker  to  the  door. 
I  demanded,  in  the  name  of  an  injured  rebel 
officer,  why  he  was  not  forthcoming  at  once. 

Upon  meeting  "mine  host,"  I  soon  found  he 
had  seen  his  best  days ;  and  feeling  quite  at 
home,  asked  how  long  since  our  army  had 
passed. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  225 

"What  army,"  lie  enquired,  as  if  to  make 
sure  of  no  mistake.  "  The  rebel  army  of 
course,"  I  replied.  He  then  told  me  Wheeler's 
Cavalry  had  passed  a  week  since,  in  pursuit  of 
Sherman's  rear  guard. 

Can  you  tell  me  how  far  it  is  to  Wheeler's 
Head  Quarters?"  I  asked.  "Indeed  I  cannot," 
he  answered,  "  but  I  reckon  its  a  right  smart 
distance  sir." 

"Are  there  any  horses  or  mules  in  the  neigh 
borhood?"  I  asked.  "Not  one,"  he  replied, 
"the  cursed  Yankees  have  cleaned  us  out,  and 
done  gone  with  our  last  piece  of  bread." 

"  Well,  come  now  uncle'  can't  you  give  this 
rebel  something  to  eat?"  "No,"  he  returned, 
"  there  is  not  a  mouthful  in  the  pantry,  we  are 
whipped  clean  out." 

"I  know  better  sir,"  I  said  — "you  have 
bacon  and  sweet  potatoes,  you  must  shell  out 
or  I  shall  have  to  help  myself."  Rebel  wishing 
to  shirk  the  responsibility  of  a  falsehood  from 
his  own  shoulders,  called  to  Mrs.  Eebel  to  know 
if  there  was  anything  eatable  on  the. premises ; 
to  which  she  replied,  "I  reckon  you  will  find 
something  in  the  pantry;"  and  in  a  moment 
more  my  rebellious  friend  returned  with  a  small 
bit  of  bread  and  two  sweet  potatoes. 


226  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

After  receiving  which,  I  delivered  him  a 
lecture  upon  his  treatment  of  a  soldier  who  had 
ventured  all  upon  the  defense  of  his  country; 
telling  him  he  was  unworthy  the  cause  he  had 
espoused,  and  that  his  patriotism  did  not  reach 
to  his  pockets,  to  say  nothing  of  his  falsehood 
and  mean  attempts  to  defraud  me  of  a  breakfast. 
"Hoping,  I  added,  to  find  you  a  better  rebel 
when  we  meet  again," — I  hurried  off  to  L., 
who  was  still  waiting  by  the  road,  and  shared 
our  hard  earned  meal  with  an  appetite  well 
whetted  by  hunger. 

Pushing  on  at  a  rapid  pace  in  the  direction  of 
our  army,  we  spied  a  person  crossing  the  road 
a  short  distance  before  us,  and  as  the  whites 
seldom  stir  before  daylight,  our  first  conclusion 
was  that  we  had  found  a  colored  friend,  but 
were  soon  undeceived  by  discovering  a  burly 
looking  white  man.  After  passing  the  compli 
ments  of  the  morning,  we  inquired  how  long 
since  oar  cavalry  passed.  "Last  Tuesday,"  he 
replied;  and  not  wishing  to  detain  him,  we 
proceeded  on  our  way,  grateful  that  our  uni 
forms  were  hidden  under  our  blankets,  which 
answered  at  once  as  overcoats  and  a  good  dis 
guise. 

Leaving  planter  No.  2,  to  his  own  reflections, 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  227 

we  reached  a  swamp  at  daybreak.  Here  met 
two  negroes  going  to  their  work,  and  after  a 
"  Good  morning  boys,"  inquired  the  distance  to 
the  next  plantation. 

"Just  a  mile  from  this  swamp,  massa." 

"  Are  there  any  white  people  there  ?"  we  asked. 

"Not  one  massa, 

DE    PLANTER   WAS   A   BUSHWHACKER 

and  Mr.  Sherman's  company  took  em  all  off." 

"Wishing  to  have  my  stories  of  the  morning 
agree,  and  not  knowing  how  soon  they  would 
be  tested,  I  dixi  not  think  it  necessary  to  make 
myself  known  to  my  colored  friends,  but  asked 
whether  they  had  seen  any  of  Wheeler's  Cavalry 
of  late. 

"  There's  a  right  smart  of  'em  down  at  Massa 
Brown's,  three  miles  from  the  swamp,  and  dey's 
hazin  about  de  country  in  ebery  direction." 
Feeling  a  little  uneasy  after  the  above  informa 
tion,  we  started  for  the  plantation  described. 
As  we  hove  in  sight,  I  saw  the  house  was  closed, 
but  that  smoke  was  rising  from  a  hut  in  the 
grounds — so  made  for  it  in  double  quick  time; 
walked  up  to,  and  opened  the  door  without 
hesitation,  when,  to  my  surprise  and  horror,  I 
beheld 


228  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

A    CONFEDERATE    OFFICER, 

standing  before  the  fire.  Without  the  least 
hesitancy  I  advanced,  gave  him  the  military 
salute  and  said,  I  see  you,  too,  are  in  the  service, 
sir;  but  hope,  like  myself,  you  have  not  been 
unfortunate. 

MY   HORSE,    SHOT   AT   WAYNESBORO. 

"How  unfortunate  may  you  have  been,  sir?" 
he  asked.  Now  I  might  have  stated  all  the 
mishaps  of  my  life ;  but  only  quietly  said,  "  I 
was  in  the  cavalry  fight  at  Waynesboro  the  other 
day,  had  my  horse  shot  from  under  me,  failed 
to  get  re-mounted,  and  have  walked  the  entire 
distance  to  this  place." 

"I  reckon  our  cases  are  not  unlike,  after  all," 
he  rejoined;  "I  had  my  horse  shot  there,  too, 
but  luckily  got  a  mule ;"  and,  stepping  to  the 
door,  he  pointed '  out  his  long-eared  animal, 
eating  hay  at  the  gate. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Fearing  he  might  get  the  start  of  me,  I  asked 
to  what  command  he  belonged. 

"  The  53d  Alabama  Mounted  Infantry,"  he 
returned  ;  and  then  inquired  my  regiment. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  229 

"  The  3d  South  Carolina  Cavalry,"  I  said ; 
and  true  it  was,  that  my  last  service  was  in  that 
state.  I  occupied  his  time  a  few  moments  in 
recounting  the  barbarities  of  Gen.  Sherman's 
army,  remarking,  "  Now  we  have  him  just  where 
we  want  him — between  two  swamps  ;  and  when 
he  is  thoroughly  starved  out  we  shall  catch  him 
easy  enough." 


OUR   CLOTHING   EXCITES    SUSPICION. 

The  lieutenant  seemed  to  endorse  my  remarks, 
notwithstanding  my  blue  clothes;  and  just  as  1 
thought  his  suspicions  fully  allayed  he  remarked, 
"  that  it  was  strange  for  a  gentleman  of  my  pro 
fessions  to  be  dressed  in  Federal  colors." 

I  returned,  "It  is  not  strange  at  all,  sir!"  A 
poor  fellow  must  wear  what  he  can  get  in  these 
times.  I  have  not  had  a  full  equipment  since  I 
came  into  the  service,  and  never  expect  one." 
You  know,  in  the  fight  at  Waynesboro  we  cap 
tured  a  few  Yanks;  and  I  just  stripped  a  dead 
one,  and  appropriated  his  attire  to  myself. 

"A  good  idea,"  he  said,  pointing  to  his  tat 
tered  pants ;  "  wish  I  had  been  as  sensible." 


230      THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 


DETERMINED  TO  HAVE  A  BREAKFAST. 

My  poor  stomach  had  gained  nothing  during 
this  interview,  so  I  asked,  "Do  you  suppose 
Aunty  could  give  me  some  breakfast?" 

"I  reckon  not,  stranger,"  he  returned;  the 
Yanks  have  done  gone  with  all  the  corn  on  this 
plantation  ;  but  if  you  will  go  down  to 

MR.  BROWN'S, 

you  can  get  all  you  ask  for.  He  was  a  good 
Union  man  when  Gen.  Sherman  passed  through, 
and  on  that  account  had  a  guard  set  over  his 
property ;  then,  when  our  army  came  along  he 
was  all  Secesh." 

"  Well,  sir,  I  shall  be  at  Mr.  Brown's  without 
delay,  and  shall  be  happy  to  breakfast  with  you 
there.  How  far  do  you  call  it  over  there  ? " 

"About  two  sights  and  a  jambye,"  he  re 
turned,  in  true  rebel  parlance. 

The  good  officer  also  informed  me  it  was  fifty- 
two  miles  to  Savannah,  twenty-five  to  Wheeler's 
Head  Quarters,  and  about  thirty-five  to  the  rear 
of  Sherman's  army ;  adding,  "  Its  a  smart  walk 
you'll  have  I  reckon." 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  231 

With  a  hearty  "  Thank  you  sir,  and  a  good 
morning,  we  shall  meet  you  at  Mr.  Brown's,"  we 
left  him,  and  kept  the  road  until  entirely  out 
of  his  range,  when  we  suddenly  struck  into  a 
swamp.*  Messrs.  Brown  &  Co.  may  be  still 
waiting  that  breakfast  for  us,  for  ought  I  know ; 
may  they  wait  and  watch  with  due  patience. 


Eighteenth  Day. 

In  a  Swamp  near  the  Savannah,  1 
Wednesday, — Dec.  14.      J 

"We  were  compelled  to  leave  our  place  of  con 
cealment  yesterday  before  dark,  as  L.  was  acci 
dentally  seen  by  a  planter  in  search  of  a  run 
away  negro.  The  planter  gruffly  asked,  "What 
are  you  doing  here  in  a  blue  uniform  ?  "  The 
lieutenant  replied,  "  I  am  serving  my  country,  as 
every  loyal  man  should  be." 

Planter  replied,  "  I  believe  you  are  a  damned 
Yankee." 

Lieut.  L.  returned  the  gallant  answer  of 
"  Then  "you  may  think  so ;"  but  this  interview 
placed  us  in 

*Here  we  met  negroes  who  had  deserted  their  masters,  and 
who  kindly  shared  their  rations  with  us. 


232  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 


and  we  suddenly  decamped,  while  Mr.  Planter 
started  out  to  alarm  the  neighborhood.  Taking 
the  sun  for  a  guide  we  set  off*  in  a  southeast- 
terly  direction,  and  did  not  venture  a  halt  before 
dark.  We  were 

PURSUED    BY    HOUNDS 

for  more  than  two  miles,  but  struck  a  stream  of 
water,  and  waded  up  a  half  mile  to  evade  our 
pertinacious  followers. 

This  morning  we  found  a  small  piece  of  pork 
in  Sherman's  camp,  also  a  few  ears  of  corn ;  all 
we  have  had  for  two  days  past.  It  has  been 
impossible  to  find  anything  to  eat  since  coming 
in  line  of  the  army.  To  use  a  southern  phrase, 
the  country  is  cleaned  out ;  what  the  Federals 
left,  the  rebels  have  taken. 

Nineteenth  Day. 

In  a  Swamp,  near  Big  Ebenezer  Creekj  \ 
Thursday, —  December  15.      J 

The  creek  was  crossed  under  rather -peculiar 
circumstances.  After  our  misfortune  yesterday 
of  being  recognized  by  a  citizen,  we  made 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  233 

twenty  miles,  passing  several  pickets  and  patrols 
in  safety.  Arriving  at  the  creek,  we  found  the 
bridge  burned,  and  returned  to  the  swamp  to 
take  observations. 

DUPING   REBEL    COURIERS. 

My  companion  soon  reported  the  stealthy 
sound  of  oars,  and  we  had  the  pleasure  of  see 
ing  two  couriers  tie  a  boat  a  few  rods  down  the 
shore.  After  they  were  fairly  out  of  sight  we 
quietly  took  seats  in  the  boat  and  pulled  for  the 
other  side.  Here  we  discovered  the  body  of  a 
dead  cavalryman.  He  was  one  of  our  own  men, 
and  rather  than  he  should  go  unburied,  we  gen 
tly  laid  him  in  the  water  —  sent  our  boat  down 
stream,  and  soon  found  the  horses  left  by  the 
couriers  tied  to  a  tree.  Appropriated  the 
horses  for  a  couple  of  miles,  and  quickly  made 
for  this  swamp,  where  we  can  distinctly  hear 
the  conversation  of  a  neighboring  picket. 


CHAPTER  X. 

KB-CAPTUKED   BY   A   REBEL   PICKET. 

Twenty-first  Day. 


h,  Satur-  1 
,  1864.      J 


Twenty-five  miles  from  Savannah, 
day,  —  December  16, 

"What  potent  spirit  guides  the  raptured  eye, 
To  pierce  the  shades  of  dim  futurity  ? 
Can  wisdom  lend,  with  all  her  Heavenly  power, 
The  pledge  of  joy's  anticipated  hour? 
Ah,  no!  she  darkly  sees  the  fate  of  man  — 
Her  dim  horizon  bounded  to  a  span  ; 
Or,  if  she  hold  an  image  to  the  view, 
'Tis  Nature,  pictur'd  too  severely  true." 

But  a  few  hours  have  passed  since  L.  and  my 
self  were  stealing  cautiously  towards  that  goal 
for  which  we  had  so  long  and  patiently  strug 
gled  in  the  dismal  swamps  of  South  Carolina 
and  Georgia. 

Our  hearts  beat  high  with  delight,  as  we  felt 
that  we  were  nearing  the  Federal  lines  ;  for  we 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC.        235 

well  knew  that  at  the  utmost,  it  could  be  but  a 
few  hours'  walk  to  Sherman. 

We  left  our  place  of  concealment  near  Big 
Ebenezer  creek  at  ten  o'clock  last  evening, 
under  the  most  deplorable  circumstances,  having 
been  without  rations  for  more  than  thirty-six 
hours,  and  being  unable  to  obtain  either  guides 
or  information  concerning  the  situation  of  the 
armies. 

"We  were,  in  fact,  groping  about  like  blind 
men,  driven  from  point  to  point  by  the  yelping 
of  hounds  or  the  movements  of  troops. 

We  reached  the  Little  Ebenezer  at  about 
eleven  o'clock  P.  M.,  and  found  the  bridge  de 
stroyed.  After  reconnoitering  a  few  moments, 
to  ascertain,  if  possible,  whether  there  was  a 
picket  on  the  opposite  bank,  we  became  satisfied 
that  the  coast  was  clear,  and,  constructing  a  raft 
out  of  such  boards  as  we  could  find,  made  our 
way  across  the  stream. 

We  then  proceeded  very  cautiously,  examin 
ing  closely  all  the  old  camping  grounds  for 
crumbs  of  hard  bread,  and  any  other  rations 
which  might  have  been  left  by  our  army ;  for 
we  were  now  on  the  Savannah  river  road,  over 
which  Kilpatrick's  Cavalry  and  the  14th  Army 
Corps  had  passed  but  a  week  before. 


236  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

CHALLENGED    BY   A   PICKET. 

It  was  just  as  we  were  about  turning  from  the 
road  for  the  above  mentioned  purpose,  that  we 
were  challenged  in  a  very  gruff  tone  of  voice, 

"Who  comes  there?" 

I  had  long  ere  this  decided  upon  the  course  to 
be  pursued  in  case  that  we  should  be  so  unfor 
tunate  as  to  run  upon  a  picket;  and  being  too 
near  the  challenger  to  make  running  a  safe  ex 
pedient,  I  answered  without  hesitation, 

"Friends." 

Upon  which  the  picket  commanded  "Advance 
one." 

I  advanced  promptly,  and,  arriving  near  my 
captors,  found  them  to  be  mounted  infantrymen. 
They  were. sitting  upon  their  horses  in  the  shade 
of  some  large  cypress  trees. 

ACTING   AS    SCOUT   TO    GEN.    HARDIE. 

One  asked,  "  Who  are  you  ? "  To  which  I  re 
plied,  "Lam  a  scout  to  Gen.  Hardie  and  must 
not  be  detained,  as  I  have  important  information 
for  the  general. 

Sentinel.  I  am  instructed  to  take  every  person 
to  the  officer  of  the  picket  that  approaches  this 
post  after  dark. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  237 

"I  can't  help  it  sir,  it  is  not  customary  to 
arrest  scouts  and  I  must  pass  on." 

"You  cannot,  I  must  obey  orders.  I  do  not 
doubt  the  truth  of  your  assertion,  but  until  you 
have  seen  the  lieutenant,  you  will  not  be  allowed 
to  pass  this  post." 

Finding  that  I  had  met  a  good  soldier,  I  saw 
that  it  was  useless  to  trifle  with  him,  and  tried 
to  console  myself  with  the  thought  that  I  should 
be  able  to  dupe  the  lieutenant,  and  as  we  were 
hurried  on  toward  the  reserve  of  the  picket, 
my  mind  was  occupied  in  arranging  a  plan  for 
our  defence  as  spies  to  the  great  "  Rebel  Chief." 

Reaching  the  reserve,  we  found  nearly  all 
asleep,  in  close  proximity  to  a  large  rail  fire, 
including  my  antagonist  the  lieutenant,  he 
being  roughly  shook  by  one  of  the  men,  soon 
became  sensible  of  his  unconscious  state,  and 
rubbing  his  eyes  for  a  moment,  asked. 

"What  is  wanted?" 

I  answered,  "I  am  surprised  sir,  that  scouts  to 
our  generals  should  be  arrested  by  your  picket." 

He  said,  "  My  instructions  are  positive,  and 
no  man  can  pass  this  post  without  examination." 

"Very  well  then,"  said  I,  "Be  good  enough 
to  examine  us  at  once." 

"•Have  you  passes?" 


238  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

"  No  sir,  not  at  present,  we  had  passes  when 
we  left  the  general's  head  quarters,  but  having 
been  scouting  about  in  Northern  Georgia  for 
the  past  two  weeks,  our  passes  are  worn  out 
and  lost." 

"  You  have  some  papers  about  you,  I  sup 
pose?" 

Thinking  that  by  answering  in  the  affirmative, 
and  producing  quickly  an  old  package  of  letters 
which  had  been  received  while  in  Libby  Prison, 
that  none  of  them  would  be  criticised,  I  hastily 
drew  them  from  the  side  pocket  of  my  jacket 
and  held  them  before  me,  saying,  "  I  hope  here 
are  enough  sir." 

The  lieutenant's  curiosity  led  him  to  take  one 
which  had  been  received  from  Col.  C.  Buel,  of 
Troy. 

REGARDED    AS    A   YANKEE    SPY. 

He  held  it  near  the  fire,  and  noticing  the 
date,  turned  his  eyes  towards  me  and  again  to 
the  letter ;  the  second  glance  seemed  to  satisfy 
him  that  I  was  not  a  rebel,  and  he  remarked 
very  indignantly,  "  Then  you  are  scouting  for 
Gen.  Hardie,  are  you?  I  believe  you  are  a 
damned  Yankee  spy,  and  if  you  were  to  get 
your  just  deserts,  I  should  hang  you  to  the  first 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  239 

tree  I  come  to."  Said  I,  "  Lieutenant  do  not 
be  too  hasty,  I  can  convince  you  that  I  have  been 
a  prisoner  of  war,  and  if  you  are  a  true  soldier, 
I  shall  be  treated  as  such." 

The  lieutenant  becoming  a  little  more  mild, 
gave  us  to  understand,  that  we  would  be  started 
for  Springfield  at  ten  o'clock,  the  head  quarters 
of  Gen.  Wheeler. 

After  detailing  a  special  guard  for  the  pri 
soners,  and  instructing  them  to  be  on  the  alert, 
the  lieutenant  laid  himself  down  by  the  fire, 
leaving  us  to  reflect  upon  the  hardness  of  fate, 
and  the  uncertainties  attending  an  effort  to  es 
cape  the  clutches  of  a  barbarous  enemy. 

I  soon  found  an  opportunity  to  speak  to  Le 
mon,  and  communicated  to  him  my  intention 
to  make  another  attempt  to  reach  the  Federal 
lines.  I  told  him  that  I  did  not  know  what 
he  had  determined  to  do,  but  as  for  myself,  I 
should  never  return  to  South  Carolina  a  pri 
soner.  I  recounted  to  him  the  horrors  and 
frightful  consequences  of  prison  life,  and  the 
privations  and  long  suffering  attending  our  at 
tempt  to  escape  from  the  hands  of  our  unmerci 
ful  enemies ;  I  told  him  that  In  my  estimation  it 
was  quite  as  well  to  be  hung  by  "bushwhackers," 
or  torn  to  pieces  by  hounds  in  Georgia,  as  to 


240  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

return  to  South  Carolina  to  meet  a  miserable 
death  from  the  effects  of  starvation  and  expo 
sure. 

The  lieutenant  seemed  to  agree  with  me  in 
every  particular,  and  although  he  made  no  deci 
sive  answer,  I  concluded  that  I  could  count 
upon  his  cooperation.  While  with  the  picket, 
we  learned  that  we  had  been  arrested  at  the  out 
post,  and  that  if  we  had  been  so  fortunate  as  to 
have  passed  this  post,  we  might  have  reached 
Gen.  Sherman's  lines  in  less  than  an  hour. 
This  intelligence  was  very  disheartening  indeed, 
when  we  saw  that  but  a  step  intervened  be 
tween  suffering  and  happiness.  Still  I  endea 
vored  to  look  upon  the  bright  side  of  the  picture, 
thinking  that  if  I  could  but  have  another  chance 
in  the  "  swamps,"  that  I  should  be  more  suc 
cessful. 

A    KIND   ACT, 

I  shall  never  forget  the  kindness  of  James 
Brooks,  one  of  the  pickets,  who  came  to  us  a 
little  after  daybreak,  and  asked  if  we  would 
like  some  hoe  cake  and  bacon  (he  said  that  he 
had  been  out  "prowling,"  and  would  share  his 
rations  with  the  prisoners) ;  we  answered  in  the 
affirmative  as  a  matter  of  course,  having  been 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  241 

without  food  for  more  than  forty-eight  hours, 
save  a  few  ears  of  corn  which  we  had  been  so 
fortunate  as  to  find  by  the  roadside,  where  the 
cavalrymen  had  fed  their  horses.  In  a  moment 
more  the  hoe  cake  was  forthcoming,  much  to 
the  disgust  of  our  friend's  comrades,  who  called 
him  "Blue  Belly,"  and  said  he  must  be  a  fool 
to  give  his  bread  to  the  damned  "Yanks."  He 
made  no  reply  to  their  insults,  but  set  before 
us  a  most  excellent  breakfast. 

AN    ATTEMPT    TO    BRIBE    THE    GUARD. 

After  we  had  finished  the  hoe  cake  and  ba 
con,  I  asked  permission  to  pass  under  guard,  to 
a  little  stream  of  water  which  was  in  sight  of, 
and  but  a  few  rods  from  the  reserve. 

The  favor  was  granted,  and  after  we  had 
taken  a  bath,  I  endeavored  to  bribe  the  guard 
by  offering  them  one  hundred  dollars  in  "Con 
federate  scrip  "  (which  had  heen  given  me  by 
the  negroes),  if  they  would  give  us  an  opportu 
nity  to  make  our  escape. 

They  said  that  they  would  be  right  glad  to 
have  the  money,  but  feared  the  consequences, 
as  they  were  held  responsible  for  our  return. 
I  told  them  that  if  they  would  listen  to  me,  I 

would  show  them  how  they  could  make  a  good 
21 


242  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

pile  of  Confed.,  and  have  no  fears  of  punish 
ment. 

As  we  could  be  easily  seen  by  the  picket, 
my  plan  was  to  apparently  take  advantage  of 
the  guard  by  setting  off  at  a  run  for  the  swamps, 
when  they  were  to  turn  in  pursuit,  and  without 
taking  aim,  fire  in  our  direction. 

I  was  confident  that  the  scheme  would  work 
admirably,  but  the  guards  seemed  to  distrust 
each  other,  and  instead  of  acceding  to  my  pro 
position,  they  marched  us  back  to  the  picket, 
and  reported  that  we  had  attempted  to  bribe 
them.  The  lieutenant  ordered  a  search  at  once, 
and  what  little  scrip  had  been  given  us  by  our 
colored  friends  was  soon  in  the  hands  of  the 
"grey  jackets."  We  were  also  threatened  with 
severe  punishment ;  one  said,  "  shoot  the  damned 
Yankees,"  another, 

"LET  ;EM  STRETCH  HEMP." 

Several  reckoned  that  they  had  better  take  us 
into  the  swamp,  and  send  us  after  Sherman's 
raiders ;  referring,  I  suppose,  to  the  manner  in 
which  they  had  disposed  of  some  of  our  sick 
that  had  necessarily  been  left  in  rear  of  the 
army ;  for  before  our  re-capture,  we  were  told 
by  the  negroes  that  fifteen  of  our  sick  that  fell 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  248 

into  the  hands  of  the  rebels  but  a  few  days  since 
were  taken  to  a  swamp,  where  their  throats  were 
cut,  and  their  bodies  thrown  into  a  slough  hole. 

I  cannot  vouch  for  the  truth  of  this  statement ; 
but  it  came  to  me  from  many  whose  veracity  1 
Lad  no  reason  to  doubt. 

Our  guard  was  universally  applauded  for  their 
fidelity ;  but  I  am  thoroughly  convinced  that  if 
either  had  been  alone,  he  would  have  thanked 
me  for  the  suggestion  and  pocketed  the  money. 

"We  remained  with  the  picket  until  ten  o'clock 
A.  M.,  when  a  guard,  consisting  of  a  corporal  and 
two  men,  were  detached  from  the  6th  Kentucky 
Cavalry,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  us  to  Gen. 
Wheeler's  head-quarters. 

APPARENTLY  UNABLE  TO  WALK. 

We  had  not  proceeded  far,  however,  when  very 
suddenly  I  became  so  foot  sore  as  to  render  it 
seemingly  impossible  for  me  to  walk,  which  I 
claimed  was  the  result  of  my  long  tramp  since 
my  escape  from  Columbia. 

ONCE    MORE   IN    THE    SADDLE. 

I  affected  to  be  too  weak  to  mount  without 
assistance,  and  allowed  "Jonny  reb"  to  help 


244  TIIE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

me  into  the  saddle.  It  was  not  long  before  we 
came  to  some  little  trees  by  the  roadside,  and, 
riding  under  one,  I  broke  off  a  small  limb  which 
I  thought  might  be  of  some  service  in  the 
future ;  for  I  was  no  sooner  in  the  saddle  than 
I  had  decided  to  effect  my  escape  by  flight,  and 
determined  to  watch  my  opportunity. 

I  had  rode  the  rebel  charger  but  a  short  dis 
tance  when  my  guard  espied  a  black  squirrel  a 
few  rods  from  the.  road.  Forgetting  the  respon 
sibility  of  his  detail,  he  set  off  at  a  wild  pace 
after  the  squirrel,  which,  after  darting  off  a 
short  distance,  ran  up  a  tree,  and  then,  as  if  to 
show  his  superiority  over  Blondin,  leaped  from 
limb  to  limb  with  an  expertness  creditable  to  his 
species.  His  follower  was  upon  the  point  of 
giving  up  the  chase  as  a  poor  investment,  when, 
suddenly,  the  little  fellow  halted  and  perching 
himself  upon  a  limb,  seemingly  bade  defiance 
to  pursuit.  I  could  not  help  regarding  this  little 
animal  with  some  favor;  for  it  appeared  that 
he  was  about  to  sacrifice  his  life  to  my  interests. 

THE   ESCAPE   AND   PURSUIT. 

The  carbine  was  instantly  brought  to  the 
shoulder,,  and  its  report  told  me  that  then  was 


AND  THE   ESCAPE.  245 

my  time,  while  the  piece  was  unloaded  ;  and, 
without  waiting  to  mark  the  result  of  the  shot, 
I  whipped  up  and  dashed  off  at  a  fearful  rate, 
urging  my  charger  to  the  top  of  his  speed. 

I  was  noticed  immediately  by  the  corporal, 
who  left  the  other  guard  with  Lemon,  and  came 
after  me  in  a  manner  that  was  not  the  most 
flattering  to  my  prospects.  He  was  armed  with 
a  Colt's  revolver,  and  while  in  pursuit  dis 
charged  its  contents  at  my  unfortunate  self, 
ordering  me  to  halt  at  every  shot.  I  paid  no 
attention  to  the  summons,  but  continued  to 
urge  my  pony  to  his  utmost.  His  time,  how 
ever,  at  the  best  was  quite  unsatisfactory  to  my 
wishes ;  for  had  he  been  more  fleet,  I  could 
have  distanced  the  corporal,  dismounted,  and 
got  into  the  swamps  unobserved ;  but  in  this 
respect  I  was  unfortunate,  and  was  uoon 
surprised  to  find  myself  approaching  a  camp, 
which  was  situated  on  both  sides  of  the  road. 
I  turned  my  horse,  leaped  a  fence,  and  endea 
vored  to  make  my  way  across  an  open  field; 
but  the  corporal's  demand  to  halt  the  damned 
Yankee,  was  responded  to  by  not  less  than  fifty 
Texan  rangers  from  the  rebel  Gen.  Iverson's 
Cavalry  Division.  They  came  hooting  and 
yelping,  mounted  and.  dismounted,  armed  and 


246  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

unarmed.  Several  blazed  away  at  me  with  car 
bines  and  revolvers,  but  without  effect. 

I  was,  however,  soon  overtaken  by  fresh 
horses,  and  compelled  to  surrender  myself  once 
more  a  prisoner  of  war  into  the  hands  of  the 
Texans. 

The  guard  whom  I  thought  so  kind,  and 
whose  horse  I  had  thus  unmercifully  ridden, 
came  up  in  time  to  heap  a  most  fearful  tirade 
of  curses  upon  me  before  we  again  resumed 
march.  L.  joined  me  a  short  time  after  my 
adventure,  and  we  were  then  forced  to  walk  the 
entire  distance  —  our  new  guard  having  no  sym 
pathy  for  my  lameness  or  debilitated  condition. 

ARRIVAL    AT    WHEELER'S    HEAD-QUARTERS. 

We  reached  Gen.  Wheeler's  head-quarters 
late  in  the  afternoon,  and  the  corporal  reported 
to  the  general  that  he  was  in  charge  of  two 
prisoners  that  had  attempted  to  pass  the  out 
post  as  scouts  to  Gen.  Hardie.  Wheeler  or 
dered  us  into  his  presence,  questioned  us  closely, 
and  ordered  our  clothing  searched.  This  inves 
tigation  over,  we  were  sent  to  our  present  quar 
ters —  a  10  by  15  cell  in  the  county  jail — where 
we  are  informed  that  we  are  to  await  a  trial  as 
Yankee  spies.  It  would  seem  to  be  an  easy 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  247 

matter  to  prove  our  identity  as  escaped  prisoners 
of  war ;  but  the  fact  £hat  I  wore  a  grey  jaeket 
at  the  time  of  my  re-capture,  and  that  we  repre 
sented  ourselves  as  scouts  to  a  Confederate  gene 
ral,  make  our  captors  very  suspicious.  I  shall 
ever  remember  our  interview  with  Gen.  Whee 
ler  ;  for  it  was  quite  an  amusing  scene,  and 
illustrates,  to  some  extent,  the  character  of  that 
rebel  cavalry  chief,  whose  career  in  the  south 
and  west  has  made  his  name  so  famous  in  the 
history  of  the  rebellion.  He  first  said  to  us, 

"  Then  you  are  scouting  for  Confederate  gene 
rals,  are  you  ?  "  * 

I  replied,  "  We  would  have  rejoiced  could  we 
but  have  convinced  your  outpost  that  we  were — 

W.  Enough  of  your  impudence,  sir.  Remem 
ber  that  you  are  a  prisoner. 

6r.  Very  true;  but  when  you  ask 'questions 
you  may  anticipate  answers. 

W.  What  are  you  doing  with  that  grey  jacket  ? 

6r.  I  wear  it,  sir,  to  protect  myself  from  the 
sun  and  storm. 

W.  Where  did  you  get  it  ? 

G.  One  of  the  guard  at  Columbia  was  kind 
enough  to  give  it  to  me,  when  he  saw  that  I 
was  suffering  for  the  want  of  clothing  with  which 
to  cover  my  shivering  frame. 


248  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

W.  He  could  not  have  been  a  true  rebel,  thus 
to  assist  a  Yankee  in  making  his  escape. 

G.  He  knew  nothing  of  my  intention  to  es 
cape  ;  and  I  believe  he  was,,  at  least,  a  sym 
pathizing,  kind  hearted  man. 

W.  "Why  don't  you  wear  the  Federal  uniform  ? 
Is  it  possible  that  the  Yankees  are  ashamed  of 
the  blue  ? 

Gr.  By  no  means,  sir.  What  few  garments 
were  spared  me  at  the  time  of  my  capture  were 
worn  out  during  a  long  imprisonment,  and  the 
clothing  which  wTas  sent  on  to  Richmond  by  our 
government  during  the  winter  of  '63  for  distri 
bution  among  the  prisoners  was,  for  the  most 
part,  appropriated  by  your  authorities. 

W.  Like  many  others  of  the  contemptible 
Yankee  crew,  I  believe  you  to  be  a  lying 
scoundrel",  and  you  shall  answer  to  the  charge 
of  spy. 

G.  Very  well  sir,  I  am  compelled  to  await  your 
pleasure,  but  you  have  heard  nothing  but  the 
truth. 

W.  Guard,  take  the  prisoners  to  the  jail, 
place  them  in  a  cell,  and  keep  them  in  close 
confinement  until  further  orders. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  249 


Iwenty-first  Day. 

County  Jail,  Springfield,  Ga.,  | 
Saturday, —  December  17 '.       j 

Springfield  is  a  very  pleasant  little  village  on 
the  Middle  Ground  road.  It  is  the  county  seat 
of  Effingham  county,  and  before  the  war  con 
tained  several  fine  public  buildings,  which  have 
recently  been  laid  in  ruins  by  the  hostile  armies. 

We  are  at  present  the  only  military  prisoners 
confined  in  the  jail,  which  is  temporarily  in  the 
hands  of  the  military.  The  authorities  were 
kind  enough  to  allow  us  to  leave  our  cell  this 
morning  and  go  out  into  the  open  air  in  front 
of  the  jail.  The  news  spread  rapidly  that  there 
were 


The  citizens  became  alarmed  and  enraged  to 
think  that  we  should  be  permitted  to  leave  the 
cell,  and  threatened  to  take  the  keys  into  their 
own  hands,  if  we  were  not  taken  back. 

The  officer  in  charge  told  them  that  he  was 
personally  responsible  for  our  safe  keeping,  and 
that  they  need  not  give  themselves  any  un 
easiness. 


250  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

A  large  crowd  gathered  around  and  looked 
upon  us  with,  seeming  wonder.  Seeing  that  we 
appeared  quite  harmless,  several  ventured  up  to 
us  and  asked  many  curious  questions.  I  found 
them  to  be  the  most  ignorant  class  of  people 
that  I  have  ever  met  in  the  south.  Many  of 
them  have  supposed,  until  very  recently,  that 
the  Yankees  actually  wore  horns. 

Their  ideas  of  the  war  were  laughable  in  the 
extreme. 

Twenty-second  Day. 

Middle  Ground  Road,  Twenty  miles  north  t/f  \ 
Springfield,  Sunday, —  Dec.  18.      j 

Our  farce  of  a  trial  being  over  at  Springfield, 
in  which  we  clearly  proved  our  identity  as  pri 
soners  of  war.  A  heavy  guard  was  detailed 
from  the  2d  Ga.  Cavalry,  with  instructions  to 
proceed  with  us  to  Waynesboro,  together  with 
fifteen  prisoners  from  our  14th  Army  Corps, 
who  were  captured  while  out  on  a  foraging  ex 
pedition  a  few  days  since. 

From  them  I  have  gained  much  valuable 
information  concerning  the  situation  of  our 
army. 

I  have  also  learned  where  the  rebel  troops 
we  stationed  in  Gen.  Sherman's  rear.  Such 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  251 

information  will  be  very  important  to  me  if  I 
can  but  make  my  escape  again.. 

As  yet  no  rations  have  been  issued  .to  us  since 
our  recapture. 

The  rebel  troops  depend  entirely  upon  fora 
gers  for  their  supplies,  and  seem  to  care  but 
little  for  the  wants  of  prisoners.  A  few  ears 
of  corn  is  all  that  we  have  had  to  keep  soul  and 
body  together  for  several  days. 

I  am  in  very  low  spirits  to-night,  which  is 
owing  to  the  fact  that  I  have  been  foiled  in 
every  attempt  to  escape  the  vigilance  of  the 
guard  during  the  day.  I  first  urged  the  priso 
ners  to  straggle,  so  as  to  lengthen  the  column 
as  much  as  possible,  thinking  that  if  we  were 
permitted  so  to  do,  that  I  might  succeed  in 
dodging  into  a  swamp  unobserved;  but  the 
vigilant  sergeant  was  too  shrewd  to  be  duped 
in  this  manner,  and  instructed  his  men  to  keep 
us  closed  up. 

Failing  in  this  scheme,  I  hoped  that  the  ser 
geant  would  continue  to  march  us  during  the 
night,  in  which  case  I  could  take  advantage  of 
the  darkness  and  make  off  at  my  pleasure ;  but 
in  this  plan  also  I  was  destined  to  be  disap 
pointed  ;  for  much  against  my  wishes  we  came 
to  a  halt  but  a  few  moments  after  dark,  and 


252  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

were  hurried  into  the  old  building  which  we 
now  occupy. 

Just  before  halting  we  had  passed  through  a 
large  swamp,  where  the  water  was  so  deep  in 
the  road  as  to  compel  each  man  to  use  his  own 
discretion  in  making  his  way  through. 

,The  guard  did  its  best  to  keep  us  together  and 
prevent  escapes ;  but  in  spite  of  their  exertions 
one  of  our  enlisted  men  fell  out,  whose  absence 
was  soon  noticed  by  the  sergeant. 

METHOD    OF    ACCOUNTING    FOR    ABSENTEES. 

We  succeeded  in  convincing  him  that  all  the 
prisoners  were  present  with  whom  he  had  started 
from  Springfield.  Our  programme  was  thus  :  I 
found  out  the  absent  man's  name ;  and  then,  as 
the  sergeant  had  a  list  of  the  prisoners,  I  volun 
teered  to  call  the  roll  for  him.  Getting  us  into 
a  safe  position,  and  lighting  a  piece  of  fat  pine, 
he  handed  me  the  list,  and  I  proceeded  to  call 
the  names ;  as  a  matter  of  course,  all  who  were 
present  answered  promptly,  and  then  (according 
to  previous  instruction)  as  no  one  had  heard 
such  a  name  as  the  absent  man  bore,  the  ser 
geant  concluded  that  it  must  have  found  its  way 
upon  the  roll  through  mistake. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  253 

Under  ordinary  circumstances,  I  should  be  far 
from  volunteering  to  aid  a  rebel  in  verifying  his 
details ;  but  in  this  case,  I  thought  that  by  a 
little  ingenuity,  a  fellow  sufferer  might  return 
to  liberty ;  for  had  not  this  scheme  been  devised, 
strenuous  efforts  would  have  been  made  by  the 
guard  to  insure  his  capture.  Picked  men  would 
have  been  detailed,  hounds  called  out,  and  a 
few  hours,  at  the  furthest,  would  doubtless  have 
convinced  the  unfortunate  victim  how  little  hope 
there  is  for  him  who  seeks  to  shun  the  horrors 
of  prison  life  by  an  escape. 

We  have  all  been  entertained  this  evening  by 
the  good  humor  of  one  of  the  guard,  who, 
having  seen  something  of  the  world,  is  inclined 
to  make  light  of  the  verdant,  and  somewhat 
peculiar  speeches  of  his  more  unfortunate  fellow 
Georgians,  who  have  never  passed  the  limits  of 
the  dismal  swamps  that  surround  their  dreary 
homesteads.  A  story  was  told  by  this  jovial 
cavalier,  which  he  claimed  was  given  him  by  an 
old  lady  to  whom  he  had  applied  for  bread 
during  the  day.  It  is  designed  to  show  her  ap 
preciation  of  Gen.  "Wheeler.  She  struck  out  as 
follows : 

"Mr.  Wheeler  and  his  critter  company  drove 
into  my  back  yard  tother  day,  tipped  my  ash- 


254  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

hopper  over,  and  formed  a  streak  of  fight  half  a 
mile  long,  and  when  he  went  away  took  off  all 
my  fowls,  and  never  offered  to  pay  me  a  dime. 
I  had  always  thought  before  that  yeuns  (you) 
was  a  better  set  of  men ;  but  I  begin  to  think 
that  you  are  about  as  bad  as  the  Yanks,  after 
all." 

Twenty-third  Day. 

Near  Sylvania,  Georgia,  "I 
Tuesday, — Dec.  19.      J 

Commenced  march  at  day-break  this  morn 
ing;  since  which  time  we  have  made  twenty-five 
miles. 

Sylvania  is  a  small  town,  and,  to  all  appear 
ances,  of  but  little  importance.  It  is  situated 
on  the  Middle  Ground  road,  midway  between 
Springfield  and  Waynesboro.  The  armies  did 
not  halt  here ;  and,  consequently,  the  people 
know  but  little  of  the  sad  realities  resulting 
from  the  devastating  tread  of  armed  hosts. 
They  are  generally  disposed  to  be  talkative  and 
friendly.  Many  of  them  are  now  conversing 
with  the  guard  and  prisoners.  This  suits  me; 
for  the  guard  cannot  be  vigilant  when  occupied 
in  entertaining  civilians.  We  are  at  present 
stationed  on  the  porch  of  a  large  unoccupied 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  255 

building  and  the  guard  is  posted  in  our  front  in 
the  form  of  a  semi-circle. 

GOOD  NEWS. 

Soon  after  halting  the  sergeant  came  to  me 
and  said,  my  foragers  have  found  some  corn 
bread  and  sweet  potatoes,  which  you  see  at  the 
other  end  of  the  porch.  I  will  give  you  all 
some  potatoes  and  keep  the  bread  for  the  guard. 

Said  I,  silently,  if  we  are  permitted  to  remain 
without  the  building  till  dark,  your  guard  will 
get  but  little  of  the  bread,  unless  it  is  issued 
soon. 

A   FAVOR. 

I  then  asked  the  sergeant  if  he  would  not  be 
kind  enough  to  allow  us  to  remain  outside  until 
after  supper  (as  it  would  be  convenient  for  us  to 
bake  our  potatoes  in  the  rail  fire  which  had  just 
been  built).  The  desired  favor  was  granted, 
and  I  entered  at  once  upon  my  plan  for  escape 


CHAPTER  XL 

THE   ESCAPE   FROM   SYLVANIA,  GEORGIA. 

Twenty-fourth  Day. 

\Yednesday, —  December  20,  1864. 
Having  been  told  by  the  sergeant  that  we 
would  be  allowed  to  remain  without  the  build 
ing  until  after  supper,  I  called  the  attention  of 
Lieut.  J.  W.  Wright,  10th  Iowa  Vols.,*  who  was 
conversing  with  a  citizen,  and  asked  him  if  he 
had  not  better  get  his  potatoes.  I  at  the  same 
time  gave  him  a  look,  which  he  understood  to 
mean  a  change  of  base.  Hastily  withdrawing 
from  the  citizen  he  met  me  on  the  porch,  where 
I  communicated*  to  him  my  plan  for  escape, 
and  enquired  if  he  would  join  me  in  its  execu 
tion.  He  replied  without  hesitation  that  he  was 
up  to-  anything  but  going  back  to  South  Caro- 

*  Circumstances  prevented  the  escape  of  Lemon,  my  former 
companion,  and  he  was  taken  back  to  Columbia. 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC.        257 

lina,  and  would  not  shrink  from  bearing  a  hand 
in  any  move  which  I  might  make. 

I  will  here  say  that  Lieut.  Wright  was  also 
an  escaped  prisoner  from  Columbia,  whom  I 
had  often  met  during  my  imprisonment ;  he  left 
Columbia  a  few  days  after  Lieut.  Lemon  and 
myself,  but  unfortunately,  like  us,  was  recaptured 
at  a  time  when  he  felt  that  he  was  about  to  say 
adieu  to  the  scenes  of  his  suffering.  Finding 
that  "Wright  had 

"ESCAPE  ON  THE  BRAIN/' 

I  lost  no  time  in  making  what  I  considered  the 
necessary  preliminaries. 

I  first  saw  one  of  the  prisoners,  whom  I  had 
been  told  by  the  sergeant  would  be  allowed  to 
issue  the  potatoes.  I  requested  him  to  make 
the  issue  upon  receiving  a  certain  signal  from 
me,  which  I  made  him  understand  perfectly. 

I  then  asked  Lieut.  Wright  to  step  to  the  end 
of  the  porch,  near  where  the  corn  bread  lay 
that  was  intended  for  the  rebel  guard.  I  followed 
immediately  after,  but  was  observed  by  the  ser 
geant,  who  seemed  to  wonder  at  this  singular 
flank  movement ;  he  said  nothing  however,  as 
we  allayed  his  suspicions  of  our  intentions,  by 
sitting  down  and  entering  into  conversation. 


258  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

ESCAPING   WITH   RATIONS    INTENDED    FOR    THE    REBEL 
GUARD. 

In  a  moment  more  a  citizen  came  up  and 
called  the  attention  of  the  sergeant. 

The  signal  was  made,  and  the  half  starved 
men  closed  up  for  their  potatoes.  It  was  now 
getting  dark,  I  hastily  took  possession  of  the 
corn  bread,  and  taking  advantage  of  the  crowd 
which  screened  us  from  the  guard,  we  sloped 
for  a  small  clump  of  bushes  that  were  but  a  few 
rods  distant. 

The  potatoes  were  no  sooner  distributed  than 
our  absence  was  noticed  by  the  guard. 

The  sergeant  suddenly  aroused  himself  and 
exclaimed,  "  By  dog  on't,  the  damned  Yankee 
officers  have  done  gone,  and  taken  all  of  our 
corn  bread.  I  will  have  them  if  it  costs  me  a 
horse." 

Calling  out  a  corporal  and  four  men,  he  in 
structed  them  to  proceed  to  a  plantation  for 
hounds,  and  to  bring  back  the  Yanks  either 
dead  or  alive.  He  thought  it  probable  that  we 
would  take  the  Springfield  road,  as  that  was  the 
nearest  route  to  our  lines. 

"We  were  all  this  time  so  near  the  guard  that 
we  could  hear  distinctly  every  word  that  was 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  259 

spoken,  and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  understood 
the  programme  perfectly. 

We  decided  with  the  sergeant,  that  the  route 
by  way  of  Springfield  was  unquestionably  the 
one  to  be  preferred ;  but  we  did  not  consider  it 
policy  to  strike  the  road  when  we  knew  it  was 
being  patrolled  with  hounds,  and  concluded  not 
to  be  in  any  hurry  until  the  excitement  was 
over. 

As  soon  as  it  was  sufficiently  dark  to  warrant 
a  move  a  safe  expedient,  we  hurriedly  decamped 
from  our  place  of  concealment,  and  made  our 
way  around  to  the  Middle  Ground  road,  over 
which  we  had  passed  but  a  few  hours  before 
under  guard.*,  We  leaped  across  it  so  as  to 
avoid  the  suspicion  which  tracks  would  very 
naturally  excite,  and  hastened  into  a  large  swamp 
but  a  short  distance  from  town.  While  there, 
we  decided  upon  the  course  to  be  pursued, 
which  was  recommended  by  Wright. 

The  lieutenant  has  been  over  the  Middle 
Ground  road  before,  to  within  a  few  miles  of 
Springfield,  where  he  was  re-captured ;  and 
hence  his  experience  will  be  good  fortune  for 
"both,  as  we  intend  to  get  back  to  Springfield  as 
quickly  as  possible,  and  then  strike  for  the  point 
on  the  Savannah  river  near  where  I  was  arrested. 


260  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

We  remained  in  the  swamp  until  after  'ten 
o'clock,  when  Wright  started  up  and  told  me  to 
follow.  He  then  went  in  quest  of  an  old  negro 
hut,  where  we  had  before  obtained  succor.  It 
was  within  a  stone's  throw  of  the  plantation 
house,  and  therefore  not  safely  approached 
without  a  thorough  reconnoisance. 

Secreting  me  in  a  corner  of  the  fence,  which 
surrounds  the  plantation,  Wright  proceeded 
forthwith  to  the  hut,  in  which  he  was  confident 
that 

OLD    RICHARD 

slept ;  for  this  was  the  name  of  the  kind  hearted 
negro  who  had  supplied  him  with  hoe  cake  and 
bacon  before  he  was  re-taken  at  Springfield. 

It  required  but  a  moment  to  convince  Richard 
that  his  guest  was.rione  other  than  Massa  Wright, 
whom  he  had  befriended  during  his  escape,  and 
whom  he  had  the  mortification  to  see  pass  back 
toward  Sylvania  a  prisoner  in  the  afternoon. 

I  was  soon  introduced,  with  all  due  formality, 
to  this  swarthy  descendant  of  Ham,  whose 
warm  and  hearty  shake  of  the  hand  convinced 
me,  beyond  a  doubt,  that  he  was  an  earnest 
friend  to  .the  Yankee,  who  would  not  hesitate 
to  stake  his  life  if  necessary  in  an  endeavor  to 
further  our  wishes. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  261 


CONFIDING  OUR  PLANS  TO  A  NEGRO. 

Wright  said  that  he  had  found  a  friend,  and 
that  I  must  make  arrangements  for  the  grub.  I 
said  to  Eichard,  •"  We  want  to  leave  this  place 
to-morrow  night  at  twelve  o'clock,  and  would 
like  to  take  four  days'  rations  with  us.  Can  you 
let  us  have  some  bacon  and  sweet  potatoes  to 
put  with  our  corn  bread?  He  replied,  "It  is  a 
pretty  hard  case,  massa ;  but  dis  yer  darky  will 
do  de  best  he  can.  Can't  get  nuffin  on  dis 
plantation,  but  recon  I  can  buy  some  potatoes 
down  at  Massa  Smith's,  three  miles  from  yer, 
and  will  go  down  there  after  I  finish  my  task  to 
morrow." 

"As  to  meat,"  he  said,  "you  know,  massa, 
dat  in  the  souf  de  slave  takes  what  de  white 
folks  frows  away ;  and  I  recon  you  all  could'nt 
eat  a  tainted  ham  dat  old  massa  gib  me  tother 
day ;  but  if  you  can,  God  knows  dis  chile  gibs 
it  to  you  wid  all  his  heart." 

I  gave  him  to  understand  that  we  should  be 
greatly  obliged  for  the  described  ham ;  as  we 
have  become  so  entirely  oblivious  to  the  sense 
of  taste  that  we  do  not  stop  to  question  the 
quality  of  anything  which  can  be  eaten  by  man. 


262  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

CONCEALED   IN   AN   OLD  PINE   TREE    TOP. 

The  ration  question  being  settled,  we  asked 
Richard  if  he  could  not  take  us  to  some  safe 
spot  where  no  rebel  would  ever  think  of  coming. 
Leading  the  way,  our  colored  friend  took  us  to 
a  swamp,  and  left  us  in  our  present  place  of 
concealment  in  an  old  pine  tree  top. 

Here  we  have  spent  the  day  unmolested  and 
unobserved  by  any  one* 

The  owl  and  whippowil  have  lost  no  time  in 
filling  our  ears  with  their  inspiring  music,  and 
the  sighing  of  the  stately  pine  and  cypress  seem 
to  hint  that  we  have  yet  to  learn  our  indebted 
ness  to  these  dismal  wilds  that  have  concealed 
alike  both  friend  and  foe. 

Here  the  rebel  deserter  seeks  repose  from 
the  vigilant  pursuit  of  the  conscripting  officer, 
and  here  too  the  escaped  prisoner  finds  a  favora 
ble  haunt,  where  he  may  to  some  extent  feel 
secure  from  the  searches  of  the  hound  and 
bushwhacker. 

I  had  always  thought  that  a  prisoner  of  war 
was  justified  in  making  his  escape,  but  here  it  is 
regarded  a  crime,  and  he  who  dares  to  make 
the  attempt,  is  tracked  like  a  felon  or  an  outlaw. 
I  cannot  help  asking  with  the  poet  Whittier, 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  263 

"  Is  this  the  land  our  fathers  loved, 
The  freedom  which  they  toiled  to  win, 
Is  this  the  earth  whereon  they  moved, 
Are  these  the  graves  they  slumber  in  ?  '' 

How  wonderfully  degenerated  have  become 
these  unworthy  descendants  of  the  mighty 
fathers  of  the  revolution.  Could  their  spirits 
but  speak  from  the  heavens,  they  would  warn 
these  fiends  of  earth,  not  to  stain  the  pages  of 
history  by  acts  so  foul  and  barbarous,  that  the 
most  unfeeling  savage  would  shrink  with  horror 
from  their  contemplation. 


Twenty-fifth  Day. 

In  a  Swamp,  near  Springfield,  Ga.,  \ 
Thursday, —  December  21.      J 

We  met  old  Richard  last  night  at  the  spot 
agreed  upon,  near  a  spring  on  his  master's  plan 
tation. 

He  gave  us  the  tainted  meat  which  had  been 
spoken  of  the  previous  night,  and  a  few  sweet 
potatoes.  This  was  the  best  that  he  could  do 
for  us,  and  after  we  had  asked  God  to  bless  him 
for  his  kindness,  and  told  him  that  we  believed 
the  day  was  not  far  distant,  when  he  would  be 
a  free  man,  started  on  our  way  rejoicing, 


264      THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

hoping  that  we  might  reach  our  lines  before  we 
should  need  another  supply.  We  walked  about 
twenty-five  miles  after  leaving  Richard,  for  the 
most  part  keeping  the  road  over  which  we  had 
marched  while  prisoners  on  our  way  to  Sylvauia. 
-  Our  progress  was  necessarily  very  slow,  for 
to  use  a  blunt  expression,  I  was  about  "  played 
out;"  the  result  of  long  exposure  and  fatigue. 

My  weight  at  the  present  time  cannot  be 
more  than  ninety  pounds. 

Wright  is  a  hardy  western  man,  much  larger 
and  stronger  than  myself,  and  then  too,  he  is 
the  fortunate  possessor  of  a  very  good  pair  of 
shoes,  which  are  almost  indispensable  to  the 
success  of  an  escaped  prisoner ;  they  were  given 
him  by  a  negro,  soon  after  his  escape  from  Co 
lumbia.  During  the  night's  tramp  he  carried 
me  through  several  swamps  on  his  back,  as  I 
was  entirely  too  weak  to  make  my  way  along 
without  falling  into  slough  holes. 

Nothing  has  yet  occurred  to  lessen  our 
chances  for  reaching  Sherman,  although  at  one 
time  we  came  so  near  being  seen  by  two  rebel 
soldiers,  that  we  had  barely  time  to  turn  from 
the  road  and  secrete  ourselves  behind  a  log? 
when  they  passed  the  spot  where  we  had  stood 
but  a  moment  before. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  265 

REBEL   DESERTERS. 

It  was  a  bright  moonlight  night,  and  had 
they  been  looking  for  Yanks,  they  could  have 
found  us  very  readily;  but  it  appeared  from 
their  conversation  that  they  were  conscripts, 
and  that  not  feeling  disposed  to  fight  against 
the  defenders  of  the  "old  flag,"  they  had  de 
serted  from  Gen.  Wheeler's  c.pmmand,  and  were 
making  their  way  back  to  their  homes  in  Ten 
nessee.  We  did  not  venture  to  hail  them,  but 
thinking  that  for  the  alleged  reasons  they  were 
justified  in  deserting  the  rebel  ranks,  we  silent 
ly  wished  them  success,  and  pushed  on. 

At  day-break  this  rnorning  we  came  to  a  halt 
not  far  from  our  present  place  of  concealment, 
thinking  that  we  should  be  perfectly  secure 
from  the  haunts  of  men,  but  the  dawn  of  clay 
revealed  to  our  vision  a  plantation  house.  Seeing 
that  it  was  occupied  showed  us  the  impropriety 
of  remaining  longer  where  we  were  thus  ex 
posed,  and  we  hastily  got  up  and  "dusted." 
Walked  about  half  a  mile,  keeping  clear  of  the 
road,  and  then  stopped  where  we  are  now,  se 
creted  between  the  roots  of  some  large  cypress 
trees. 

We  shall  remain,  here  until  dark, 
23 


266  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

The  moon  does  not  rise  this  evening  till 
nearly  twelve  o'clock,  so  that  it  will  be  polic3r 
to  take  our  tramp  during  the  fore  part  of  the 
night. 

Heavy  canonading  in  the  direction  of  Savan 
nah  since  yesterday  morning. 

Twenty-sixth  Day. 

On  our  way,  with  renewed  obstacles,  1 
Friday, — December  22.      / 

Many  are  the  incidents  and  adventures  of  the 
past  twenty-four  hours. 

In  accordance  with  intentions,  we  set  off  on 
our  walk  at  an  early  hour  last  night.  Had  not 
proceeded  far  when  a  plantation  became  visible. 

• 

A   PROPOSITION.  * 

Wright  said,  "  Glazier,  if  you  would  like  a 
good  supper  and  something  to  put  in  the  haver 
sack  I  will  tell  you  where  you  can  make  a  raise 
on  a  safe  scale,  by  just  representing  yourself  to 
be  a  rebel,  and  trusting  to  your  face."  "We 
always  considered  it  advisable  to  replenish  the 
commissary  department  as  often  as  possible ;  and 
I  asked  him  to  mention  the  particulars.  He 
replied  that  the  plantation  house,  toward  which 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  267 

we  were  directing  our  eyes,  was  occupied  by  a 
planter's  wife  and  some  small  children,  whose 
husband  and  father  was  in  the  rebel  army.  He 
had  also  been  informed  that  there  were  no 
hounds  upon  the  plantation.  "  * 

THE   INTERVIEW   WITH   MRS.    KEYTON. —  TURNING    THE 
TABLES. 

After  listening  to  the  details,  we  agreed  upon 
a  signal  which  should  warn  him  of  my  approach 
upon  returning  from  the  designed  foraging  ex 
pedition,  and  then  I  wrent  in  quest  of  the  house. 

Stepping  up  to  the  door,  I  rapped,  and  a  very 
intelligent  lady  soon  made  her  appearance. 

I  asked,  "  Can  you  give  this  rebel  a  supper?" 

She  replied,  "  You  shall  have  the  best  the 
house  affords;"  and  invited  me  to  step  in  and 
take  a  seat  by  the  fire.  I  did  so,  saying,  as  I 
took  my  seat,  "  Madam,  I  am  shocked  at  the 
dastardly  conduct  of  Gen.  Sherman  in  his  march 
through  Georgia.  It  has  been  characterized  by 
nothing  but  what  should  excite  the  revenge,  and 
move  to  action  every  man  possessing  a  true 
southern  spirit.  Our  aged  citizens,  who  have 
banded  together  for  mutual  protection,  have 
been  treated  as  bushwhackers — have  been  driven 
from  their  homes,  and  their  property  conns- 


268  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

cated.  Our  hounds,  always  true  to  the  interests 
of  the  south,  have  been  shot  down  by  the 
roadside  for  no  other  reason  than  because  they 
have  'been  used  in  tracking  escaped  prisoners" — 

Here  I  was  interrupted  by  the  lady,  who  re 
marked,  to  my  very  great  surprise,  that  she 
.  could  not  see  that  the  Yankees  were  much  worse 
than  the  Confederates,  after  all.  She  said  : 

"  When  the  Federal  army  passed  through  the 
state,  it  took  from  the  rich  the  supplies  neces 
sary  for  its  sustenance ;  and  when  our  cavalry 
followed  on  in  the  rear,  it  took  nearly  all  that 
was  left,  seeming  to  care  but  little  for  our  wants ; 
often  stripping  defenceless  women  and  children 
of  their  last  morsel  of  bread." 

G.  I  regret  that  the  conduct  of  our  troops 
has  been  such  as  to  give  you  reasons  for  com 
plaint. 

Lady.  I  too  regret  that  our  men  have  not 
proved  themselves  worthy  of  a  cause  which  they 
appear  so  willing  to  defend. 

G.  Eemember  that  our  commissary  depart 
ment  has  been  broken  up,  and  that  we  are 
entirely  dependent  upon  the  people  for  the 
subsistence  of  a  large  army. 

L.  And  what  do  you  think  of  present  pros 
pects  ? 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.'  269 

Gr.  Our  future  seems  dark  —  our  cause  ap 
pears  almost  hopeless;  but  the  sacrifices  of  our 
gallant  dead  remain  unavenged.  We  must 
fight  while  there  is  a  man  left,  and  die  in  the 
last  ditch. 

L.  If  there  is  no  longer  any  hope  of  success^ 
I  should  say  that  it  would  be  better  to  lay  down 
our  arms  at  once,  and  go  back  under  the  old 
flag. 

G.  We  must  fight. 

L.  It  is  wickedness  to  continue  this  awful 
massacre  of  human  beings  without  some  pros 
pect  of  ultimate  success. 

Gr.  Very  true ;  but  we  have  lost  all  in  this 
struggle,  and  must  sell  our  lives  as  dearly  as  pos 
sible. 

L.  My  husband  is  a  captain  in  the  25th  Ga. 
Infantry.  He  is  the  father  of  these  children,  and 
is  very  dear  to  both  them  and  me.  Long  have 
I  prayed  that  he  might  be  spared  to  return  to 
his  family,  but  fear  that  we  shall  never  be  per 
mitted  to  see  him  again.  When  he  entered  the 
army  I  admired  his  patriotism,  and  was  glad  to 
see  him  go  in  defence  of  what  I  supposed  to  be 
the  true  policy  of  the  southern  people ;  but  we 
have  been  deceived  from  the  beginning  by  our 
military  and  political  leaders.  It  is  time  to 


270  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

open  our  eyes,  and  see  what  obstinacy  has 
brought  us.  We  are  conquered.  Let  us  ad 
here  to  the  administration  of  the  Federal  govern 
ment  ere  we  are  ruined. 

G.  Madam  your  sympathies  appear  to  be 
with  the  Federals. 

L.  It  is  not  strange,  I  was  born  and  educated 
in  New  England, —  and  your  speech  would 
indicate  that  you  too  are  not  a  native  of  the 
south. 

G.  You  are  right,  I  am  a  New  Yorker  by  birth, 
but  have  been  for  a  long  time  in  South  Caro 
lina. 

After  partaking  of  the  frugal  meal  set  before 
me,  which  consisted  of  corn  bread  and  sweet 
potatoes.  I  thanked  the  lady  for  her  kindness, 
and  told  her  that  I  regretted  very  deeply  that  I 
was  not  in  a  situation  to  remunerate  her  for  so 
much  trouble.  Noticing  my  blue  pants  as  I 
arose  from  the  table,  she  observed :  "It  is  im 
possible  for  me  to  know  our  men  from  the 
Federals  by  the  uniform,  but  a  few  days  since, 
two  soldiers  asked  me  to  get  them  some  supper, 
claiming  to  be  scouts  to  Gen.  "Wheeler;  they 
told  many  very  plausible  stories,  and  the  next 
day,  to  my  astonishment,  1  was  charged  with 
harboring  Yankee  spies." 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  271 

6r.  I  do  not  wonder  that  you  find  it  difficult  to 
distinguish  the  Confederate  from  the  Yankee 
soldier,  for  in  these  trying  times  a  poor  rebel  is 
compelled  to  wear  anything  he  can  get.  The 
dead  are  always  stripped,  and  at  this  season  of 
the  year  we  find  the  Federal  uniform  far  more 
comfortable  than  our  own. 

L.  It  must  be  an  awful  extremity  that  could 
tempt  men  to  strip  the  dying  and  the  dead. 

G.  We  have  become  so  much  accustomed  to 
such  practices,  that  we  are  unmoved  by  scenes 
which  might  appall  and  sicken  those  who  have 
never  served  in  our  ranks. 

L.  I  sincerely  hope  that  these  murderous 
practices  will  soon  be  at  an  end. 

G.  I  must  go  madam;  may  I  know  to  whom  I 
am  so  much  indebted  for  my  supper  and  kind 
entertainment  this  evening  ? 

L.  Mrs.  James  Key  ton, — and  what  may  I 
call  your  name  ? 

G.  Willard  Glazier,  53d  Alabama  Mounted 
Infantry. 

•  L.  Should  you  chance  to  meet  the  25th  Ga., 
please  enquire  for  Capt.  Keyton,  and  say  to  him 
that  his  wife  and  children  are  well  and  send 
their  love. 

G.  He  shall  certainly  have  your  message  if 


272  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

it  is   my  good   fortune  to  find  him  out.     Good 
night. 

The  interview  with  Mrs.  Keyton  end^d,  which 
seemed  to  convince  her  that  I  was  a  bitter  rebel. 
I  hastened  out  to  receive  the  congratulations  of 
Wright  upon  my  success,  but  found  him  in  very 
bad  humor,  as  he  was  entirely  out  of  patience 
with  waiting  for  my  return.  I  explained  to  him 
the  reason  of  the  delay,  but  all  to  no  purpose, 
for  he  was  so  provoked  that  he  would  not  listen, 
and  thus  feeling  a  little  angry  at  each  other, 
we  moved  toward  Springfield.  Being  deter 
mined  to  gain  as  much  information  as  possible 
concerning  the  strength  and  movements  of  the 
enemy  in  General  Sherman's  rear,  we  made  a 
thorough  reconnoisance  before  leaving  Spring 
field. 

"We  found  General  Iverson's  head  quarters 
to  be  at  that  place,  and  was  at  one  time  within 
fifteen  paces  of  the  house  which  he  occupied. 

We  were  so  near  his  provost  guard,  as  to  hear 
distinctly  every  word  that  was  spoken.  They 
were  discussing  present  prospects,  and  the  news- 
which  they  had  received  yesterday  of  the  fall  of 
Savannah.  It  seemed  to  be  the  prevailing  opi 
nion  that  the  Confederate  army  was  about  played 
#ut  and  that  sooner  or  later 


AND  THE   ESCAPE.  273 

ILL   FATED   DIXIE 

would  be  compelled  to  submit  to  the  tyranical 
rule  of  the  invader.  One  long,  gaunt  looking 
fellow,  who  appeared  to  be  the  mouth  piece  for 
a  large  number,  straightened  himself  up  in  front 
of  a  fire,  around  which  a  group  had  gathered, 
and  burst  forth  as  follows:  "  By  dog  on't,  the 
damned  blue  bellies  have  got  ahead  of  weuns 
on  this  tramp."  T  could  not  help  thinking  what 
a  change  had  taken  place  in  their  views  since 
the  17th,  when  we  were  prisoners  at  Wheeler's 
head  quarters,  for  at  that  time  they  asserted 
that  they  had 

GEN.    SHERMAN    JUST    WHERE    THEY    WANTED    HIM. 

Now  their  victim  is  evidently  in  the  ascendant, 
and  the  army  that  was  to  sacrifice  its  chivalrous 
blood  in  the  defences  of  Savannah,  seeks^safety 
in  flight,  having  abandoned  its  artillery  and 
supplies.  Leaving  Springfield,  it  was  the  in 
tention  to  strike  the  '  Savannah  river  road  at 
Helmy,  where  we  supposed  the  enemy's  out 
post  to  be.  My  companion  knew  nothing  about 
this  route,  and  left  all  to  me,  as  I  had  been  re 
captured  near  that  point.  It  is  by  no  means  an 
easy  task  to  pursue  any  desired  course  in  this 


274  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

swampy  country,  intersected  as  it  is  by  blind 
roads.  The  sun,  moon  and  stars  are  our  only 
guides;  and  it  is 'to  them  that  we  are  chiefly 
indebted  for  our  success  since  the  escape  from 
Sylvania. 

While  in  South  Carolina  and  Northern  Geor 
gia  WQ  depended  entirely  upon  the  negroes  for 
guidance ;  but  the  passage  of  our  army  through 
this  section  of  the  state  opened  the  way  to  free 
dom,  and  invited  the  bondman  to  cast  off  his 
shackels,  and  enjoy  the  blessings  of  liberty. 

Strange  as  it  may  seem,  nearly  every  slave  has 
embraced  the  opportunity  presented  him,  and 
has  very  quietly  taken  leave  of  his  kind  old 
master  without  waiting  for  ceremony.  I  say 
strange,  for  the  simple  reason  that  it  has  been 
the  boast  of  the  southerner,  that  the  slave 
would  not  exchange  his  chains  for  freedom  ;  that 
he  was  happy  when  governed  by  a  kind  master, 
and  would  not  seek  to  better  his  condition  by  a 
change. 

Having  passed  Springfield  about  six  miles 
we  found  day-light  approaching,  and  hurriedly 
turned  from  the  road  which  we  had  been  follow 
ing  for  more  than  an  hour,  and  secreted  ourselves 
in  some  tall  swamp  grass.  Here  we  laid  little 
more  than  an  hour,  when  we  were  suddenly 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  275 

bTARTLED   BY   THE   YELPING   OP    HOUNDS. 

Wright  turned  to  me  and  said,  "  "We  are  fol 
lowed." 

I  asked,  "  What  do  you  propose  to  do  ?  " 

W.  I  am  undecided. 

G.  There  is  no  time  for  reflection.  If  we  are 
not  off  at  once,  we  will  be  prisoners  before 
leaving  this  swamp. 

W.  "Well,  off  it  is  then  ;  and  jumping  into  our 
shoes,  which  we  had  taken  off  in  order  to  dry 
our  feet,  we  got  out  of  the  swamp  in  double 
quick  time,  crossed  the  road,  and,  taking  the 
sun  for  a  guide,  struck  a  southeasterly  course, 
leaping  fences  and  ditches,  fording  streams,  and 
passing  through  thickets,  that  would  greatly 
retard  the  progress  of  the 

BUSHWHACKERS   IN   PURSUIT. 

The  chase  continued  until  about  one  o'clock. 
The  hounds,  for  the  most  part,  being  so  near 
that  we  could  hear  their  yelping  distinctly, 
when,  fortunately,  we  came  to  a  large  creek; 
jumping  into  the  stream,  we  followed  the  cur 
rent  fifty  or  sixty  rods,  and  then,  turning  to  the 
sun  for  our  point  of  compass,  pushed  on. 


276  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

The  precaution  taken  upon  our  arrival  at  the 
creek  must  have  foiled  the  hounds ;  for  we  had 
not  proceeded  far  when  we  became  fully  satis 
fied  that  we  had  out-generaled  the  bushwhack 
ers.  We  did  not  halt,  however,  but  continued 
on  toward  the  promised  land.  Greatly  encour 
aged  by  our  success  since  morning,  we  became 
so  indiscreet  and  reckless  as  to  venture  into  open 
fields  whenever  they  happened  to  be  on  our  line 
of  march. 

A   NARROW   ESCAPE. 

At  about  two  o'clock  p.  M.,  just  as  we  were 
clearing  the  outskirts  of  a  swamp,  I  was  sur 
prised  to  see  my  companion  drop  suddenly 
behind  a  large  cypress  tree  without  uttering  a 
word.  I  followed  his  example,  not  deeming  it 
prudent  to  ask  a  question. 

I  fixed  my  attention  upon  "Wright,  who,  after 
remaining  motionless  a  few  moments,  raised  his 
head  and  looked  to  the  front.  Falling  back 
behind  the  aged  cypress,  he  whispered,  "Did 
you  see  the  picket?"  I  answered,  "£To;"  but 
looking  up,  saw  that  we  were  within  twenty 
rods  of  armed  men. 

No  further  observations  were  necessary  to 
convince  us  that  the  sooner  out  of  such  quar- 


AND   THE  ESCAPE.  277 

ters  the  better.  We  had  not  time  to  move, 
however,  ere  a  cavalry  patrol  came  up  to  visit 
the  post,  and  to  give  new  instructions.  As  soon 
as  the  patrol  had  passed,  we  crawled  back  upon 
our  hands  and  knees  into  the  swamp,  keeping 
behind  a  clump  of  large  trees  that  screened  us 
from  the  picket.  Coming  to  a  dry  spot,  we 
halted  to  consider  the  propriety  of  proceeding 
farther,  as  there  was  great  danger  of  being  seen 
in  an  attempt  to  leave  that  place. 

Wright  decided  that  it  would  be  policy  to 
remain  where  we  were,  and  here  a  difference  of 
opinion  arose  again ;  as  I  was  so  wet  and  cold 
that  the  thought  of  confining  myself  to  such 
limited  quarters,  I  confess,  made  me  not  a  little 
uneasy;  for  we  could  neither  stand  up  nor  lie 
down.  Our  clothes,  too,  were  wet,  the  weather 
extremely  cold,  and  we  had  not  slept  in  forty- 
eight  hours ;  and  then,  too,  the  idea  of  sitting 
up  like  a  pair  of  mummies  five  hours.  I  told 
my  companion  that  there  was  no  such  thing  in 
the  book,  and  that  I  would  strike  for  dry  land 
if  it  cost  me  a  re-capture. 

Wright  said  that  he  would  not  mo^e,  and  I 
set  off  on  my  own  hook. 

I  passed  the  doubtful  point  by  watching  the 


24 


278  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

picket,  and  making  good  time  when  their  backs 
were  turned. 

Getting  out  of  the  swamp,  I  went  in  quest  of 
a  favorable  haunt  where  I  might  lay  my  weary 
limbs  and  dry  my  clothes. 

I  was  delighted  as  well  as  amused  to  find  W. 
close  upon  my  heels,  glad  enough  to  abandon 
the  sitting  posture  for  something  more  agreea 
ble.  I  welcomed  him  to  my  new  place  of  con 
cealment  ;  and  here  we  have  spent  the  afternoon 
unmolested  by  any  one. 

Our  distance  from  the  picket  is  not  more  than 
eighty  rods.  We  are  inclined  to  think  it  the 
outpost. 

AN   AMUSING   INCIDENT 

occurred  this  evening  a  few  moments  after  sunset. 
The  weather  being  extremely  cold,  and  our 
clothes  .still  damp,  we  agreed  that  a  small  fire 
would  be  very  pleasant ;  and,  suiting  the  action 
to  the  thought,  dug«a  hole  in  the  ground,  gath 
ered  some  pine  knots  and  started  a  blaze,  which 
in  my  judgment  could  not  have  been  seen  by 
any  one  at  a  distance  of  fifty  feet,  but,  to  my 
companion,  it  appeared  to  be  of  gigantic  pro 
portions  ;  and  his  imagination  became  so  much 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  279 

excited  that  he  set  one  of  his  feet  over  it,  and 
thus  put  an  end  to  my  enjoyment  as  well  as  the 
fire. 

„  Twenty -seventh  Day. 

Head  Quarters,  10th  Iowa  Yols.,  Savannah,  G-a.,  1 
Saturday, —  December  23.       / 

This  is  the  happiest  day  of  my  life ;  and  one 
which  will  ever  remain  a  bright  landmark  in  my 
recollections  of  the  past. 

"We  succeeded  in  flanking  the  picket  last 
night  just  after  dark,  and  was  not  long  in  find 
ing  a  colored  friend,  familiarly  known  as  Uncle 
Philip,  among  his  acquaintances,  who  informed 
us  that  we  had  passed  the  outpost. 

Our  joy  was  inexpressible,  and  our  emotions 
beyond  control;  for  more  glorious  news  never 
fell  upon  the  ear. 

Uncle  Philip  also  informed  us  that  our  friends 
were  at  Cherokee  Hill,  on  the  Savannah  River 
road,  only  eight  miles  distant.  We  asked  him 
if  he  could  not  guide  us  to  the  lines.  He  re 
plied  "  Ize  neber  been  down  dah,  massa,  since 
Mr.  Sherman's  company  went  to  Savannah  ;  but 
I  reckon  you  can  get  Mr.  Jones,  a  free  colored 
man,  to  take  you  ober.  He  is  a  mighty  bright 
pusson,  and  understands  de  swamps  jest  like  a 


280  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

book."  Calling  at  Mr.  Jones's  hut,  we  learned 
from  his  wife  that  he  was  out  on  a  scout,  but 
would  be  in  by  eleven  o'clock.  She  assured 
us  that  he  was  ever  glad  to  do  all  in  his  power 
for  the  Yankees,  and  asked  us  to  come  into 
the  hut  and  await  his  return.  We  very  re 
luctantly  complied  with  her  invitation,  fearing 
that 

REBEL    SCOUTS 

might  venture  down  between  the  lines,  and  thus 
blast  our  brilliant  prospects. 

Mrs.  Jones,  however,  was  by  no  means  a  dull 
tactician,  and  offered  her  two  sons,  one  a  lad 
of  eight,  and  the  other  six  years,  for  outpost 
duty. 

I  divided  the  -command  and  posted  the  pick 
ets,  stationing  the  oldest  boy  in  the  road,  at  a 
distance  of  twenty  rods  from  the  hut,  and  used 
the  other  for  patrol,  who  was  to  keep  a  sharp 
lookout;  and  in  case  any  one  might  be  seen 
approaching  the  post,  was  to  notify  his  mother, 
thereby  giving  her  an  opportunity  to  conceal  us. 

This  matter  attended  to,  a  generous  supply 
of  hoe  cake  and  parched  corn  delighted  our 
eyes  ;  for  Auntie  was  not  long  in  appeasing  our 
hunger  with  the  best  her  humble  cot  afforded. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  281 

Jones  came  in  at  the  mentioned  hour,  but  did 
not  think  himself  sufficiently  well  acquainted 
with  the  safest  route  to  warrant  his  acting  in  the 
capacity  of  guide ;  but,  like  all  other  negroes 
that  I  have  met  in  the  south,  he  very  readily 
called  to  mind  one  whom  he  thought  would 
accompany  us,  and  whom  he  could  recommend 
very  highly  as  an  active  and  intelligent  fellow. 

EFFORTS  TO  OBTAIN  A  GUIDE. 

Securing  a  small  piece  of  fat  pine  for  a  torch 
to  light  our  way  through  an  intervening  swamp, 
we  started  for  the  Savannah  river  road,  beyond 
which  the  negro  could  be  found,  whose  many 
good  qualities  had  been  pointed  out  to  myself 
and  companion.  Much  to  our  astonishment,  . 

COLORED    MAN    NO.  3 

was  not  so  well  posted  as  had  been  affirmed ; 
but,  luckily,  and  much  to  our  delight,  he  very 
promptly  referred  to  another  negro  who  had 
come  up  from  the  lines  since  morning,  and 
whom  he  knew  would  be  glad  to  return  with  us. 
The  negro  last  recommended  bore  the  name  of 


282  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

MARCH    DASHER. 

We  found  him  to  be  a  genuine  Ethiopian,  as 
black  as  any  colored  individual  I  have  ever  met ; 
and  as  dignified  and  devout  as  he  was  active  arid 
swarthy.  Upon  being  asked-  if  he  could  show 
us  the  way  to  Cherokee  Hill,  replied, 

"I'LL    DO    IT,    MASSA.    IF    GOD    BE    MY    HELPER." 

We  desired  to  start  at  once,  but  could  not 
persuade  him  to  move  before  day-light.  He 
said,  "  Dis  chile  knows  where  de  pickets  is  in 
de  day  time,  but  knows  nuffin  'bout  'em  after 
dark."  Several  attempts  were  made  to  induce 
us  to  remain  in  the  hut  till  morning ;  but  no 
amount  of  safety  insurances  could  persuade  us 
to  take  such  an  apparently  inconsiderate  step. 

The  idea  that  it  would  not  be  policy  to  move 
on  before  morning  inclined  us  to  think  that  our 
landlord  might  be  treacherous,  and  we  were  not 
a  little 

UNEASY     UNTIL    PRAYER   WAS     OFFERED    FOR   OUR 
BENEFIT, 

when  we  became  fully,  satisfied  that  we  could  at 
least  repose  confidence  in  his  fidelity.     As  soon 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  283 

as  prayers  were  concluded,  we  betook  our 
selves  to  a  pine  thicket,  determined  to  give 
March  no  peace  until  he  should  set  oft*  with  us. 

THE  NEGRO'S  CLOCK  NEEDS  NO  REPAIRING. 
» 
At  about  one  o'clock  in  the  morning,  "Wright 

turned  out  and  told  him  that  day  had  just  began 
to  break.  He  got  up,  came  to  the  door,  looked 
for  the  seven  stars,  ancT  then  remarked,  in  a  very 
good  humored  way,  "Irecon  it's  good  many 
hours  yet  till  break  ob  day,  massa.  Yer  can't 
fool  March  on  de  time ;  his  clock  neber  Breaks 
down.  It's  jest  right  ebery  time."  Feeling 
somewhat  chagrined  at  his  ill  success,  W.  re 
turned  to  the  thicket  saying,  "  Glazier,  there  is 
no  use  of  being  in  a  sweat ;  for  you  might  as 
well  undertake  to  move  a  mountain  as  to  get  the 
start  of  that  colored  individual."  "We  made  no 
further  attempt  to  dupe  our  guide,  but  very  im 
patiently  awaited  his  call.  He  came  to  our 
place  of  concealment  at  the  first  peep  of  day, 
and  said 

"GEMMEN,  NOW  IZE  READY 

to  take  you  right  plum  into  Mr.  Sherman's  com 
pany  by  'sun  up.'  "  "We  followed  him  without 


284  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

ceremony  ;  and  just  as  old  sol  began  to  tint  the 
hill-sides  with  his  first  rays,  we  saw,  with  un 
bounded  joy, 

A   GROUP   OP   BLUE    COATS 

watching  very  eagerly  our  approach  ;  for  it  was 
the  outpost.  At  first,  we  were  evidently  re 
garded  as  an  enemy ;  but  by  taking  off  our  hats 
and  making  friendly  signs,  their  suspicions  were 
allayed,  and  they  beckoned  us  to  come  on.  A 
most  cordial  reception  was  given  us  by  the 
picket,  which  proved  to  be  a  detail  from  the  101 
Illinois  Volunteers,  20th  Army  Corps. 

We  took  each  man  by  the  hand,  congratu 
lating  him  upon  his  good  fortune  in  surviving 
the  death-blow  to  rebellion  in  Georgia ;  and 
they  in  return  rejoiced  at  our  successful  escape. 
Haversacks  were  opened,  and  placed  at  our  dis 
posal.  There  was  a  great  demand  for  hard  tack 
and  coffee ;  but  the  beauty  of  it  all  was, 


MAJ.    TURNER   WAS    NOT    THERE, 

to  say  what  he  has  often  repeated,  "Keduce 
their  rations ;  I'll  teach  the  damned  scoundrels 
not  to  attempt  an  escape."  I  shall  ever  remem 
ber  my  feelings  when  I  began  to  realize  the  fact 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  285 

that  I  was  no  longer  a  prisoner,  and  when  I 
beheld  the  old  flag  floating  triumphantly  over 
the  invincible  veterans  that  followed  the  Great 
General  down  to  the  sea. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Head  Qiarters,  10th  Iowa  Volunteers,  Savan- 1 
nah,  Ga.,— December  24, 1864.      j 

After  breakfast  yesterday  morning,  at  the 
picket  post,  we  came  into  the  city  with  a  brigade 
of  the  20th  Army  Corps,  which  formed  a  part 
of  the  rear  guard  of  Gen.  Sherman's  Army. 

It  would  have  been  a  difficult  matter  to  have 
identified  us  in  our  motley  uniform.  For  my 
self,  I  was  clad  in  a  coat  of  southern  gray, 
blue  pants,  my  shoes — before  described — a 
bewitched  looking  hat  and  gray  blanket,  which 
for  months  had  answered  the  purpose  of  bed 
and  bedding. 

My  haversack  was  a  curiosity  in  its  way,  being 
composed  of  an  old  towel,  which  was  sewed  up 
by  Lepon  many  weeks  before.  Said  haversack 
had  bt>rne  its  journey  well,  but  now  showed  un 
mistakable  signs  of  dissolution.  Sweet  pota 
toes,  unless  of  a  fabulous  size,  slipped  through 
as  readily  as  money  through  a  soldier's  finders ; 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC.        287 

and  large  must  be  the  loaf  which  could  find  a 
resting  place  within  its  awful  depths. 

Many  pleasant-  incidents  occurred  during  our 
ride  into  the  city. 

A  major  and  surgeon,  whose  names  I  failed 
to  learn,  kindly  offered  us  their  horses,  and  dis 
mounted  for  our  convenience.  The  offer  was 
gratefully  accepted,  for  we  "were  hoth  weak  and 
weary,  and  Lieut.  Wright  had  assisted  me  for 
some  time  on  our  way. 

On  reaching  the  city,  Wright's  first  inquiry 
was  for  his  old  regiment ;  but  it  was  like  a 
search  in  the  dark.  The  unsettled  state  of  the 
army  rendered  it  difficult  to  learn  the  location 
of  any  particular  regiment  or  brigade ;  but  we 
found  the  corps  to  which  his  regiment  belongs, 
and  were  sent,  under  guard,  from  corps  to  regi 
mental  head-quarters,  with  a  •  demand  for  re 
cognition,  and  a  receipt  therefor. 

Such  treatment  seemed  hard  at  first ;  but 
when  we  reflected  upon  our  checkered  costume, 
and  suspicious  appearance,  we  readily  fell  into 
their  way  of  thinking ;  for,  untibwe  were  iden 
tified,  it  would  have  been  no  wonder  tha,t  we 
were  looked  upon  as  spies  or  desperadoes.  So,- 
submitting  with  the  best  grace  at  our  disposal, 
we  were  soon 


2S8  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN. 

PRONOUNCED    GENUINE    UNION    SOLDIERS. 

To-night  we  are  stopping  with  Capt.  A.  L. 
Swallow,  who  commands  the  lieutenant's  com 
pany.  He  is  a  noble  man,  and  has  adminis 
tered  to  our  wants  like  a  father.  Our  circum 
stances  being  known,  no  pains  are  spared  in 
making  us  comfortable  and  happy.  This  morn 
ing  I  was  presented  with  a  fine  pair  of  pants,  a 
pair  of  boots,  and  under  clothing.  It  is  delight 
ful  to  be  once  more  where  we  are  not  watched 
and  hunted  like  felons,  and  to  look  upon  the 
faces  of  friends. 

Captain  Swallow  took  up  a  contribution  for 
my  especial  benefit  to-day,  to  which  the  officers 
of  his  regiment  contributed  generously. 

This  afternoon  we  witnessed  the  review  of  the 
12th  Army  Corps  by  Gen.  Sherman;  it  was 
grand,  and  the  whole  army  are  devoted  to  their 
leader. 

Christmas  Day. 

The  greater  part  of  this  day  has  been  spent  in 
the  city.  Took  dinner  with  Mr.  H.  Brown. 
His  residence  is  on  Congress  street,  opposite 
the  Pulaski  House,  Mr.  B.  is  known  as  a  firm 
Union  man,  and  although  he  has  suffered  much 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  289 

from  adherence  to  his  principles,  and  frequently 
been  stripped  of  all  his  goods,  he  still  remains 
true  to  the  old  flag  and  the  government  of  his 
fathers. 

Lieut.  E.  H.  Fales,  who  was  a  fellow  prisoner 
at  Charleston,  was  found  secreted  at  Mr. 
Brown's  house  when  our  army  entered  Savan 
nah.  The  lieutenant  was  in  the  city  for  more 
than  a  month,  representing  himself  as  a  very 
innocent  foreigner,  but  was  at  one  time  con 
scripted  and  ordered  on  the  defences. 

At  Kilpatrick's  Head  Quarters,  on  the 


,trick's  Head  Quarters,  on  the  ) 
Ogeechee  River, — Dec.  26.      J 


Lieut.  F.  and  myself  obtained  horses  at  the 
quartermaster's  of  the  20th  Corps,  and  rode  out 
here  this  afternoon.  My  object  here  is  to  be 
identified  by  Kilpatrick,  in  order  to  secure 
transportation  north,  as  he  is  the  only  officer  in 
the  Department  who  knew  me  to  be  in  the 
United  States'  service  previous  to  my  capture. 
The  general  has  had  the  kindness  to  furnish  me 
with  the  necessary  papers,  and  I  shall  return  to 
Savannah  in  the  morning,  to  go  north  by  the 
first  boat. 

We  took  supper   with  the  general  and  Capt. 

Estice  of  his  staff,  who  were  much  interested  in 
25 


290  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

my  accounts  of  prison  life  and  escapes.  One 
hardly  likes  to  be  the  hero  of  his  own  tales, 
yet  I  love  to  dwell  upon  them,  and  the  goodness 
of  God  which  accompanied  us  all  the  way. 

My  term  of  service  has  expired,  and  I  long 
once  more  to  behold  the  faces  of  the  dear  ones 
at  home.  This  afternoon  I  returned  to  Savan 
nah,  and  had,  in  addition  to  my  other  Christmas 
gifts,  a  good  vest  and  change  of  linen.  They 
were  presented  by  Capt.  Estice,  and  render  me 
quite  human  in  appearance. 

I  had  hoped  to  leave  Savannah  before  this, 
but  the  army  is  in  an  unsettled  state,  and  I 
must  bide  my  time. 

There  is  great  suffering  among  the  poorer 
classes  here,  it  being  difficult  to  obtain  even  the 
very  necessaries  of  life. 

Steamship  Planter,  near  Savan-  ) 
nah.  G-a.,—  December  29.       J 

This  is  the  boat  which  was  run  out  of 
Charleston  Harbor  by  a  negro  pilot,  who  now 
commands  her  under  the  title  of  captain.  The 
craft  has  seen  hard  service,  and  was  badly 
peppered  upon  her  retirement  from  rebel  service. 

She  is  now  in  government  employ,  and  runs 
as  far  as  the  obstructions  in  the  river,  and  re- 


AND  THE   ESCAPE.  291 

turns  the  following  day.  She  is  met  by  boats 
at  the  end  of  her  route,  transfers  her  cargo,  and 
returns  for  another  load. 

Lieut.  Fales  will  accompany  me  to  New  York. 
Wright  would  have  accompanied  me,  but  his 
term  of  service  having  expired,  he  waits  to  be 
mustered  out  before  leaving  Savannah. 

Steamship  Ashland,  Hilton  Head,  South  1 
Carolina, — December  30.      j 

We  were  transferred  from  the  Planter  to  the 
Delaware  during  the  night,  and  came  on  the 
latter  boat  to  this  place,  where  I  am  ticketed  for 
the  Empire  State.  Bless  her  dear  old  name  ! 
How  many  a  poor  fellow,  who  started  out  with 
me,  will  never  again  press  her  soil,  nor  be  wel 
comed  home  by  those  who  await  their  coming. 
We  expect  to  reach  Xew  York  in  four  or  five 
days.  The  Ashland  is  a  small  ocean  steamer, 
and  is  commanded  by  Thomas  Cowdry,  an  old 
sea  -  captain,  weatherbeaten  and  brave.  The 
weather  is  cold  and  windy,  and  the  little  craft 
rolls  fearfully. 

In  a  Grale,  off  Cape  Hatteras. —  1 
January  2,  1865.      / 

Yesterday  we  were  in  .a  fearful  gale,  which 
threatened  us  with  a  speedy  and  watery  grave. 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

All  the  passengers  were  sea-sick,  and  all  of 
the  crew,  save  those  directly  connected  with  the 
management  of  the  vessel.  This  being  my  first 
experience  with  ®ld  Neptune,  my  case  was  none 
of  the  mildest.  The  captain  comforts  us  with 
the  strength  of  his  ship,  and  points  out  her 
beauties  in  a  way  quite  mystifying  to  a  landb- 
man.  He  assures  us  of  a  speedy  calm,  and  a  de 
lightful  trip.  May  his  prophecies  prove  correct. 

This  is  a  remarkable  new  year  to  me.  Just 
out  of  prison,  army,  and  a  strange  land,  I  am 
tossing  on  the  sea  like  a  homeless  wanderer,  and 
only  wait  to  see  the  shores  of  my  own  state. 
Once  there,  I  shall  rest  on  my  laurels  until 
health  and  strength  are  regained,  when  I  may 
go  out  again  —  not,  I  trust,  for  the  defence  of 
my  country,  but  to  look  upon  a  land  resting  in 
the  calm  serenity  of  freedom  and  power. 

Jan.  4.  Our  boat  grated  upon  the  wharf  late 
last  night,  and  I  soon  awoke  to  the  realization 
that  I  was  breathing  the  air  of  New  York.  Our 
voyage  has  been  pleasant  and  full  of  adventure. 
The  passengers,  taking  pity  upon  the  poor 
stranger  boy,  made  me  a  generous  purse  of 
thirty  dollars,  which  was  presented  by  a  fellow 
officer — Lieut.  Col.  Alexander,  of  an  Ohio  regi 
ment. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  293 

I  hope  soon  to  be  snugly  settled  in  my  father's 
house ;  till  then,  dear  reader  adieu. 

"Now  our  prison  life  is  over!    Ah!  it  is  a  pleasant  thought, 
And  we  here  await  our  furloughs,  ere  again  our  homes  are 

sought. 
Farewell  South,  and   all  thy  dead  lines!     Farewell  traitors. 

robbers  too ! 
Cherished  friends  of  youth  and   childhood,   we  are  coming 

home  to  you ! 
And  will  not  your  smiles  of  welcome  half  repay  our  griefs 

and  cares, 

When  once  more  you  see  as  sitting  in  the  old  familiar  chairs  ? 
But  there's  One  who  reigns  above  us  —  we  should  give  our 

thanks  to  Him, 
For  the  bright  hopes  in  the  bosoms,  where  sweet  hope  alas 

was  dim. 
For  His  kind   and  loving  presence,  that  at  last  we  lived  to 

stand 
Free  from  prison  life  in  Dixie,  in  our  own  beloved  and  loyal 

land 

Let  us  pray  for  peace  forever,  for  the  Union  glad  and  free, 
With  a  tear  for  comrades  faithful,  whom  we  never  more  shall 

see. 
Ever  trusting  One  above  us,  though  the  clouds  may  gather 

fast, 
Knowing  well  our  Father's  mansion  will  receive  us  at  the 

last." 


CHAPTER 

The  succeeding  pages  are  devoted  principally  to  the 
testimony  of  individuals  who  have  been  confined  in 
other  prisons. 

AT   MILLIN, 

Conspicuous  upon  the  list  of  rebel  prisons 
stands  the  pen,  known  south  as  Camp  Lawton, 
near  Millin,  Georgia. 

The  following  is  the  testimony  of  Serg't.  W. 
Goodyear,  7th  Regiment,  C.  V.,  who  was  re 
moved  to  that  place  fromAndersonville  on  the 
1st  of  November,  1864. 

It  was  pleasantly  situated,  about  eighty  miles 
north  of  Savannah,  in  a  country  where  pine 
forests  abound.  Indeed,  these  were  a  promi 
nent  feature  in  the  external  surroundings  of 
many  of  the  southern  prisons.  Trees  would  be 
felled,  a  clearing  made,  and  here  located  the 
rude  structure  that  was  to  be  the  cheerless  home 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC.        295 

of  thousands  for  long,  weary  mouths.  Could  a 
voice  be  given  to  these  silent  groves,  and  they 
become  witnesses  of  what  they  have  seen  and 
heard,  what  revelations  would  be  made  of  things 
that  can  never  be  known  now  ! 

The  medium  of  human  language  fails  to  con 
vey  all  the  meaning  involved  in  prison  life  in 
the  souiji.  It  is  true  that  a  great  part  of  the 
suffering  in  this  present  war,  as  in  all  wars,  must 
forever  remain  with  the  secrets  of  unwritten  his 
tory.  A  few,  who  were  themselves  actors  in  the 
tragic  scenes,  may  rehearse  the  story  of  their 
individual  experience,  and  thus  furnish,  as  it 
were,  a  key  to  unlock  the  gates  through  which 
others  may  enter  and  take  a  look.  This  is  the 
only  way  in  which  the  people  at  large  can  be 
come  acquainted  with  this  thrilling  portion  of 
the  war ;  and  authentic  and  reliable  statements 
are  therefore  of  deep  interest  and  importance. 

Forty-four  acres  of  ground  were  inclosed  by 
the  stockade  at  Millin.  The  large  pine  timber, 
which  was  cut  down  at  the  commencement  of 
operations  for  building  the  prison,  was  left  upon 
the  ground ;  and  when  the  first  prisoners  went 
into  their  confinement  there,  they  found  these 
to  be  greatly  to  their  advantage ;  for  they  were 
able  to  construct  for  themselves  comfortable 


296  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

huts  of  the  logs  and  branches  lying  about  them. 
In  this  respect  they  were  more  fortunate  than 
many,  or  most  others.  The  last  division  that 
entered  had  no  shelter  at  all,  or  at  least  of  any 
account.  A  small  stream  of  good  water  ran 
through  the  centre,  which  the  men  highly  prized, 
particularly  as  it  afforded  the  much  needed  pri 
vilege  of  bathing.  At  the  time  of  rny  arrival 
there,  the  list  of  prisoners  numbered  nine  thou 
sand.  The  weather  was  very  cold  and  stormy; 
and  as  the  majority  of  the  men  were  very  poorly 
clad,  many  of  them  being  without  shoes, 'blan 
kets  or  coats,  and  also  without  shelter,  the  suf 
fering  was  very  great.  No  medicine  was  issued 
to  the  men  within  the  stockade,  and  but  very  few 
were  taken  outside  to  the  hospital ;  consequently 
the  mortality  was  fearful.  The  number  of  deaths 
averaged  from  twenty-five  to  thirty-five  per  day. 
The  prevailing  diseases  were  such  as  are  com 
mon  to  almost  all  prisons- — the  scurvy,  diarrhoea 
and  rheumatism.  It  was  no  uncommon  occur 
rence  for  the  morning  light  to  reveal  the  pallid 
faces  of  three  or  four  prisoners  who  had  laid 
down  side  by  side,  showing  that  death  had 
claimed  them  all  during  the  night.  Such  sights 
were  heartrending  to  the  most  unfeeling — the 
most  stoical.  The  prisoner  is  condemned  to 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  297 

these  things,  and  there  is  no  alternative  but  for 
him  to  gaze  upon  them,  however  sad  and  re 
volting  they  may  be.  He  must  steel  himself 
against  that  which  once  would  have  sent  sym 
pathy  through  his  whole  being — a  gushing  tide. 
It  could  not  be  that  the  fountain  of  pity  Le 
stirred  to  its  depths  so  often.  Nature  could  not 
sustain  the  pressure  ;  therefore  it  seems  that  the 
whole  is  something  like  a  martyr  process,  in 
which  the  very  juices  of  life  are  crushed  out  by 
an  uncontrollable  force. 

At  the  beginning  of  my  stay  at  Millin,  the 
rations  which  were  issued  were  double  the 
amount  we  had  at  Andersonville.  "We  drew 
one  pint  of  meal,  six  ounces  of  uncooked  beef, 
six  spoonsfull  of  rice,  one  tea-spoonful  of  salt, 
as  our  allowance  for  twenty-four  hours.  Beans 
were  sometimes  substituted  for  rice  ;  but  these 
were  so  much  eaten  by  insects  that  they  were 
often  thrown  away  without  being  tasted.  After 
a  little  while,  however,  the  quantity  decreased 
every  day,  so  that  they  became  nearly  as  small 
and  poor  as  those  issued  in  other  prisons. 

The  prospect  of  being  exchanged  or  paroled 
was  so  small  that  some  availed  themselves  ol 
the  opportunity  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  the  Confederate  government,  and  entered  the 


298  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

rebel  service.  The  inducements  which  were 
offered  them  to  do  this,  were  three  bushels  of 
sweet  potatoes,  a  suit  of  clothes  and  one  hun 
dred  dollars  in  Confederate  scrip.  I  was  my 
self  acquainted  with  quite  a  number  who  did 
this ;  and  although  I  would  make  no  excuse  for 
them,  I  know  the  mptive  by  which  they  were 
actuated.  They  knew  no  chance  of  getting  out 
of  prison  alive.  They  had  barely  clothes  to' 
cover  their  nakedness,  and  they  thought  to  pro 
long  their  existence  in  this  way ;  and  coupled 
with  this  was  the  idea  of  escaping  and  fleeing 
to  the  Union  lines  at  the  very  first  opportunity. 
But  the  whole  thing  was  considered  a  mean, 
disgraceful  act  by  every  true  patriot.  I  would 
have  died  a  dozen  deaths  rather  than  to  have 
been  guilty  of  such  a  thing,  and  there  were 
thousands  of  others  of  the  same  mind. 

As  the  time  of  the  presidential  election  drew 
near,  the  rebels  expressed  a  desire  that  we 
should  vote  upon  the  question  ourselves.  Ac 
cordingly  ballot  boxes  were  procured,  and  on 
the  day  when  the  people  of  the  north  were 
deciding  the  momentous  issue,  we  gathered 
together  in  Millin  Prison,  apd  in  the  midst  of 
great  excitement,  gave  expression  to  our  politi 
cal  preferences.  We  knew  that  it  was  war  or 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  3Q1 

peace.  As  we  deposited  our  votes,  so  did  we 
speak  for  one  or  the  other,  and  show  forth  our 
position  in  the  country's  cause. 

At  sunset  the  votes  were  counted,  and  the 
result  was  3,014  votes  for  Lincoln,  and  1,050 
for  McClellan. 

CAME   TOO    NEAR   THE    DEAD    LINE. 

I  am  indebted  to  0.  E.  Dahl,  late  lieutenant 
15th  Wisconsin  Infantry,  for  the  following  par 
ticulars  relative  to  the  murder  of  Lieut.  Tur- 
bayne,  which  occurred  after  my  escape  from 
Columbia. 

On  the  morning  of  the  first  of  December, 
1864,  at  Camp  Sorghum,  about  ten  o'clock, 
the  camp  was  startled  with  the  report  of  a  mus 
ket,  and  soon  the  report  spread  through  camp 
that  Lieut.  Turbayne,  68th  New  York,  had 
been  shot  —  murdered  by  the  guard,  a  Mr. 
Williams,  of  Newbury  Court  House,  S.  C. 

Turbayne  was  walking  along  a  path  that  ran 
by  the  corner  of  a  hut,  near  the  dead  line,  but 
inside  of  it. 

Along  this   path   the   prisoners  had  walked 

hundreds  of  times  without  fear,  for  it  was  on  our 
26 


302        THE  CAPTURE,  TEE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC. 

own  ground.  As  Turbayne  came  along,  the 
guard  brought  his  piece  to  the  shoulder,  halted, 
and  ordered  him  back.  He  turned  to  go, 
walked  a  step  or  two,  when  the  villain  shot 
him  through  the  back,  the  ball  passing  through 
his  lungs.  He  staggered  a  few  steps,  fell,  and 
died  within  a  few  minutes. 

Not  only  did  Major  Griswold  refuse  to  inves 
tigate  the  matter,  but  after  the  murderer  had 
been  relieved  by  the  officer  of  the  day,  he  sent 
him  back  on  duty  that  afternoon  on  the  front 
line,  and  also  into  camp  the  next  morning,  sur 
rounded  by  a  body  guard,  for  fear  the  officers 
would  do  violence  to  him — an  insult  of  the 
blackest  dye. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

SALISBURY   PENITENTIARY. 

The  prison  at  Salisbury,  North  Carolina, 
which  became  so  notorious  during  the  war  as 
one  of  the  most  loathsome  dungeons  in  rebel- 
dom,  was  at  first  intended  as  a  place  of  punish 
ment  for  southern  soldiers  guilty  of  military 
offences,  and  as  a  place  of  committal  for  hos 
tages,  who  were  usually  sentenced  to  hard  labor. 
It  more  recently  came  into  general  use,  and 
hundreds  of  unfortunate  victims  said  their  last 
farewell  in  that  miserable  den.  In  order  that 
we  may  obtain  a  better  view  of  this  horrible 
abode,  I  will  transcribe  the  testimony  of  Messrs. 
Richardson  and  Brown,  both  widely  known  aa 
correspondents  for  the  public  press. 

The  following  statement  was  made  by  the 
former,  before  the  Committee  on  the  Conduct 

of  the  War : 

I  was  captured  on  a  hay  bale  in  the  Missis 
sippi  river,  opposite  Vicksburg,  on  the  3d  of 


304  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

May,  1863,  at  midnight.  After  a  varied  ex 
perience  in  six  different  prisons,  I  was  sent 
to  Salisbury  on  the  3d  of  February,  1864,  from 
which  place  I  escaped  on  the  18th  of  December 
following. 

For  months,  Salisbury  was  the  most  endura 
ble  prison  I  had  seen ;  there  were  600  inmates. 
They  were  exercised  in  the  open  air,  compara 
tively  well  fed,  and  kindly  treated.  Early  in 
October,  10,000  regular  prisoners  of  war  arrived. 
It  immediately  changed  into  a  scene  of  cruelty 
and  horror;  it  was  densely  crowded,  rations 
were  cut  down  and  issued  very  irregularly ; 
friends  outside  could  not  even  send  in  a  plate 
of  food. 

The  prisoners  suffered  considerably,  and 
often  intensely,  for  the  want  of  bread  and  shel 
ter  ;  those  who  had  to  live  or  die  on  prison 
rations,  always  suffered  from  hunger ;  very  fre 
quently,  one  or  more  divisions  of  1,000  men 
would  receive  no  rations  for  twenty-four  hours  ; 
sometimes  they  were  without  food  for  forty- 
eight  hours.  A  few  who  had  money  would  pay 
from  five  to  twenty  dollars  in  rebel  currency  for 
a  little  loaf  of  bread.  Many,  though  the  weather 
was  inclement  and  snow  frequent,  sold  the  coats 
from  their  backs  and  shoes  from  their  feet. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  305 

I  was  assured,  on  authority  entirely  trustworthy,, 
that  a  great  commissary  warehouse  near  the 
prison  was  filled  with  provisions.  The  commis 
sary  found  it  difficult  to  find  storage  for  his 
corn  and  meal ;  and  when  a  subordinate  asked 
the  post  commandant.  Maj.  John  H.  Gee, 
"Shall  I  give  the  prisoners  full  rations?"  he 
replied  with  an  oath,  uK"o!  give  them  quarter 
rations." 

I  know  from  personal  observation,  that  corn 
and  pork  are  very  abundant  in  the  region  about 
Salisbury. 

For  weeks  the  prisoners  had  no  shelter 
whatever ;  they  were  all  thinly  clad,  thousands 
were  barefooted,  not  one  in  twenty  had  an  over 
coat  or  blanket,  many  .hundreds  were  without 
shirts,  and  hundreds  were  without  blouses. 
One  Sibley  tent  and  one  A  tent  were  fur 
nished  to  each  squad  of  100 ;  with  the  closest 
crowding,  these  sheltered  about  half  the  priso 
ners.  The  rest  burrowed  in  the  ground,  crept 
under  the  buildings,  or  shivered  through  the 
night  in  the  open  air  upon  the  frozen  ground. 

If  the  rebels,  at  the  time  of  our  capture,  had 
not  stolen  our  shelter-tents,  blankets,  clothing 
and  money,  they  would  have  suffered  little  from 
cold.  If  the  prison  authorities  had  permitted 


306  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

them,  either  on  parole  or  under  guard,  to  cut 
logs  within  two  miles  of  the  prison,  the  men 
would  have  built  comfortable  and  ample  bar 
racks  in  one  week;  but  the  commandant  would 
not  consent, —  he  did  not  even  furnish  one-half 
the  fuel  needed. 

The  hospitals  were  in  a  horrible  condition. 
More  than  half  who  entered  them  died  in  a  few 
days.  The  deceased,  always  without  coffins, 
were  loaded  into  the  dead-carts,  piled  on  each 
other  like  logs  of  wood,  and  so  driven  out  to  be 
thrown  in  a  trench  and  covered  with  earth. 

The  rebel  surgeons  were  generally  humane 
and  attentive,  and  endeavored  to  improve  the 
shocking  condition  of  the  hospitals ;  but  the* 
Salisbury  and  Richmond  authorities  disregarded 
their  protests. 

On  the  25th  of  November,  many  of  the  pri 
soners  had  been  without  food  for  forty-eight 
hours,  and  were  desperate,  without  any  matured 
plan.  A  few  of  them  said,  "  We  may  as  well 
die  in  one  way  as  another;  let  us  break  out  of 
this  horrible  place."  Some  of  them  wrested 
the  guns  from  a  relief  of  fifteen  rebel  soldiers, 
just  entering  the  yard,  killing  two  who  resisted, 
and  wounding  five  or  six  others,  and  attempted 
to  open  the  fence;  but  they  had  neither  ade- 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  3Q7 

quate  tools  or  concert  of  action.  Before  they 
could  effect  a  breach,  every  gun  of  the  garrison 
was  turned  on  them.  The  field  pieces  opened 
with  grape  and  canister,  and  they  dispersed  to 
their  quarters.  In  five  minutes  from  its  begin 
ning  the  attempt  was  quelled,  and  hardly  a 
prisoner  was  to  be  seen  in  the  yard.  The  rebels 
killed  sixteen  in  all,  and  wounded  sixty.  Not 
one-tenth  of  the  prisoners  had  taken  part  in  the 
attempt ;  and  many  of  them  were  ignorant  of -it 
until  they  heard  the  guns.  Deliberate,  cold 
blooded  murders  of  peaceable  men,  where  there 
was  no  pretense  that  they  were  breaking  any 
prison  regulation,  were  very  frequent. 

Our  lives  were  never  safe  for  one  moment. 
Any  sentinel,  at  any  hour  of  the  day  or  night, 
could  deliberately  shoot  down  any  prisoner,  or 
fire  into  a  group  of  them,  black  or  white,  and 
never  be  taken  off  his  post  for  it. 

I  left  about  6,500  remaining  in  garrison  on 
the  day  of  my  escape,  and  they  were  then  dying 
at  the  average  rate  of  twenty-eight  per  day,  or 
thirteen  per  cent  a  month.  The  simple  truth  is, 
that  the  rebel  authorities  are  murdering  our 
soldiers  at  Salisbury  by  cold  and  hunger,  while 
they  might  easily  supply  them  with  ample  food 
and  fuel.  They  are  doing  this  systematically, 


308  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

and  I  believe  are  killing  them  intentionally,  for 
the  purpose  either  of  forcing  our  government  to 
an  exchange,  or  forcing  our  men  into  tlreir  own 
army. 

The  testimony  of  Mr.  Brown,  also  a  corre 
spondent  of  the  Tribune,  corroborates  the  above 
statements  of  Mr.  Richardson.  He  says  : 

I  have  often  wished  that  I  could  obtain  a  pho 
tograph  of  that  room  in  Salisbury  Prison ;  for  I 
can  give  no  idea  of  its  repulsiveness  and  super 
lative  squalor. 

The  prison  was  formerly  a  cotton  factory, 
about  ninety  by  thirty  feet ;  arid  when  we  were 
there,  they  had  only  six  or  seven  hundred  con 
fined  within  its  walls.  A  dirtier,  smokier,  drea 
rier,  and  more  unwholsome  place  1  had  never 
seen  than  the  room  in  which  we  were  placed. 
It  reminded  me  of  some  old  junk-shop  in  South 
street  of  the  city  I  had  left,  and  was  hung  round 
with  filthy  rags,  tattered  quilts  and  blankets, 
reeking  with  vermin,  which  the  wretched  in 
mates  used  as  clothes  and  bed  covering,  and 
thronged  mostly  with  northern  and  southern 
citizens,  most  of  whom  were  in  garments  long 
worn  out,  and  as  far  removed  from  cleanliness 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  3Q9 

as  the  wearers  from  happiness.  In  that-abhored 
abode  we  were  compelled  to  eat  and  sleep  as 
best  we  might.  There  were  but  two  stoves, 
both  old  and  broken,  in  the  room ;  and  they 
gave  out  no  heat,  but  any  quantity  of  smoke, 
which  filled  the  apartment  with  bitter  blueness. 
Vermin  swarmed  everywhere ;  they  tortured  us 
while  we  tried  to  sleep  on  our  coarse  blankets, 
and  kept  us  in  torment  when  awake.  ~No  light 
of  any  kind  was  furnished  us ;  and  there  we  sat 
night  after  night  in  the  thick  darkness,  inhaling 
the  foul  vapors  and  the  acrid  smoke,  longing 
for  the  morning,  when  we  could  again  catch  a 
glimpse  of  the  overarching  sky. 

Think  of  this  death-life  month  after  month ! 
Think  of  men  of  delicate  organization,  accus 
tomed  to  ease  and  luxury,  of  fine  taste,  and  a 
passionate  love  for  the  beautiful,  without  a  word 
of  sympathy,  or  a  whisper  of  hope,  wearing 
their  days  out  amid  such  scenes.  Not  a  pleasant 
sound,  nor  a  sweet  odor,  nor  a  vision  of  fairness, 
ever  reached  them.  They  were  buried  as  com 
pletely  as  if  they  lay  beneath  the  ruins  of  Pom 
peii  or  Herculaneum.  They  breathed  mechan 
ically,  but  were  shut  out  from  all  that  renders 
existence  endurable.  Every  sense  was  shocked 
perpetually,  and  yet  the  heart,  by  a  strange 


310        THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC. 

inconsistency,  kept  up  its  throbs,  and  preserved 
the  physical  being  of  a  hundred  and  fifty 
wretched  captives,  who,  no  doubt,  often  prayed 
to  die.  Few  persons  can  have  any  idea  of  a 
long  imprisonment  in  the  south.  They  usually 
regard  it  as  an  absence  of  freedom,  a  depriva 
tion  of  the  pleasures  and  excitements  of  ordinary 
life.  They  do  not  take  into  consideration  the 
scant  and  miserable  rations  that  no  one,  unless 
he  be  half  famished,  can  eat;  the  necessity  of 
going  cold  and  hungry  in  the  wet  and  wintry 
season ;  the  constant  torture  from  vermin,  of 
which  no  care  or  caution  can  free  one  ;  the  total 
isolation ;  the  supreme  dreariness,  the  dreadful 
monotony,  the  perpetual  turning  inward  of  the 
mind  upon  itself,  the  self-devouring  of  the  heart, 
week  after  week,  month,  after  month,  and  year 
after  year. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

AT   ANDERSONVILLE. 
E.  FORBES,  16iH  CONN.  VOLUNTEERS, 


It  is  from  no  unfair  motives  that  I  am  induced 
to  make  the  following  statement  of  what  I  saw 
and  experienced  while  a  prisoner  in  the  hands  of 
the  rebels  during  the  spring,  summer  and  au 
tumn  of  1864.  I  have  tried  to  give  a  truthful 
account  of  some  of  the  cruelties  and  sufferings 
which  our  poor  hoys  were  called  to  endure  in 
filthy,  loathsome  southern  prisons  and  hospitals. 
It  seems  to  me  there  can  be  no  reason  for  any 
one  to  make  a  false  report  of  the  miseries  we 
received  at  the  hands  of  our  heartless  captors 
and  brutal  prison  keepers.  To  tell  the  truth  of 
them,  is  all  that  is  needed  to  convince  any 
reasonable  man  of  their  barbarities  and  fiendish 
attempt  to  deprive  our  soldiers,  whom  the  for 
tune  of  war  had  thrown  into  their  power,  of 
every  comfort  and  enjoyment  of  life. 


THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

But  to  my  narrative.  I  was  captured  April 
2d,  1864,  at  Plymouth,  North  Carolina.  It  is 
to  the  credit  of  the  rebel  soldiers,  whose  good 
fortune  it  was  to  capture  our  command,  sta 
tioned  there  to  hold  and  defend  the  place,  that 
we  were  treated  with  considerable  courtesy  and 
kindness  while  in  their  power. 

To  my  knowledge,  no  outrages  were  commit 
ted  upon  any  of  our  white  troops,  though  I 
believe  the  small  negro  force  with  us  fared  very 
hard. 

Our  men  were  allowed  to  retain  their  blankets 
and  overcoats,  and  all  little  articles  of  value 
which  they  might  have  upon  their  persons. 
Many  of  the  men  had  about  them  large  sums  of 
money,  which  they  were  allowed  to  ke-ep. 

From  Plymouth  a  long  and  wearisome  march 
was  made  to  Tarboro' ;  a  very  pretty  town, 
situated  on  the  Neuse,  a  few  miles  from  Golds- 
boro'.  By  the  time  we  arrived  there  the  men 
were  much  fagged  and  worn  out.  The  last  day 
of  the  march  we  were  without  rations,  and  suf 
fered  a  great  deal  from  hunger  and  weariness. 
Soon  after  reaching  our  camping  ground,  near 
the  town,  rations  were  issued  to  us.  There 
were  a  few  cow  peas,  or  beansr  more  properly, 
some  corn  meal,  a  small  piece  of  bacon,  and  a 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  313 

very  meagre  allowance  of  salt,  for  each  man. 
Some  old  iron  kettles,  tins,  etc.,  weje  provided 
for  us  to  cook  oar  food  in,  and  a  small  quantity 
of  wood  furnished ;  and  we  managed  to  prepare 
a  repast  which  was  very  palatable  to  our  well 
whetted  appetites.  A  system  of  trading  was 
immediately  commenced,  which  was  carried  on 
for  a  while  very  briskly,  but  was  finally  prohi 
bited  by  the  rebel  authorities. 

Our  men  would  barter  away  their  watches, 
rings,  gold  pen-holders,  pocket-knives,  coat-but 
tons,  etc.,  for  Confederate  pone  cakes,  hard 
bread,  and  bacon  from  the  rebels.  The  most 
exorbitant  prices  were  demanded  by  both  par 
ties;  our  men,  however,  generally  getting  the 
best  bargain.  We  had  remained  at  Tarboro' 
but  a  few  days  when  orders  were  received  -to 
remove  all  the  Union  prisoners  who  could  travel 
to  Andersonville,  Ga.,  immediately.  "We  had 
already  suffered  much,  both  from  hunger  and 
exposure.  Many  were  sick  and  feeble.  All  were 
anxious  to  leave,  and  we  felt  much  relief  at 
hearing  that  preparations  had  been  made  to 
remove  us  to  a  pleasanter  and  more  fruitful 
portion  of  the  Confederacy.  We  were  informed 
that  Camp  Sumter,  the  prison  to  which  we  were 
going,  occupied  a  delightful  locality,  and  also 
27 


314  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

that  our  food  there  would  be  more  wholesome 
and  plenteous  than  that  which  we  had  yet  re 
ceived.  Their  fair  accounts  and  pleasing  stories 
but  increased  our  anxiety  to  be  off;  and  it  was 
with  no  little  pleasure  that,  on  the  morning  of 
April  29th,  we  bade  adieu  to  the  gloomy  field 
into  which  we  had  been  turned  as  so  many 
brutes,  and  marched  with  quite  joyous  hearts  to 
the  depot  in  town.  Here  we  were  confined, 
crowded  by  forties  into  small  and  loathsome 
box-cars.  Besides  our  own  enormous  numbers, 
six  rebel  guards  were  stationed  in  each  carriage ; 
a  name  which  I  heard  applied  by  a  foppish  young 
officer  to  the  miserable  concern  aboard  which 
we  were  literally  packed.  Of  course,  the  rebels 
occupied  the  doors,  and  we  nearly  suffocated. 
Under  such  circumstances,  many  of  the  boys, 
less  sanguine  and  hopeful  than  others,  began  to 
express  doubts  concerning  the  stories  which  we 
had  heard;  and  intimated  that  they  were  all 
mere  fabrications  to  deceive  us,  and  make  it  an 
easier  matter  to  convey  us  to  Camp  Sumter. 

Without  doubt  such  was  the  case.  It  is  cer 
tain  that  they  made  the  utmost  efforts  to  get  us 
through  to  the  stockade  at  Andersonville  under 
as  small  a  guard  as  possible.  We  arrived  in 
Charleston  on  Sunday  morning,  May  1st.  To 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  315 

our  great  surprise,  we  found-  that  some  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  city  were  friendly  to  us. 
They  distributed  tobacco  and  cigars  among  the 
men,  and  some  secretly  brought  them  food. 
Months  afterwards,  some  of  our  suffering,  dying 
boys  found  inestimable  friends  in  the  Sisters 
of  Charity,  who  abode  in  the  city. 

Leaving  Charleston  at  an  early  hour  in  the 
afternoon,  we  were  hurried  on  at  quite  a  rapid 
rate  towrard  Savannah,  Georgia.  About  six 
o'clock  in  the  evening  it  commenced  storming 
very  hard,  and,  being  on  platform  cars,  we  were 
thoroughly  drenched  with  rain. 

At  about  nine  o'clock  we  changed  cars  a  short 
distance  from  Savannah  for  Macon,  at  which 
place  we  arrived  the  following  day  a  little  past 
noon. 

I  was  milch  pleased  with  Macon.  It  is  a 
handsome  city,  and  pleasantly  situated  on  the 
Ocmulgee  river — a  stream  of  some  importance. 
It  contained  a  number  of  fine  residences,  several 
churches,  two  or  three  large  iron  foundries,  and 
a  car-factory,  I  believe.  Trees,  flowers,  and 
gardens  presented  an  appearance  not  unlike  that 
^f  early  summer  at  home.  Almost  everything 
there  was  looking  pleasant  and  beautiful,  and  I 
felt  very  sad  at  leaving,  knowing,  as  I  then  did, 


316  THE  CAPTURE,  THE   PRISON  PEN, 

something  of  the  true  character  of  our  future 
abode. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  of  May  2d  we  left 
Macon  on  our  way  to  Andersoiiville,  at  which 
place  we  arrived  some  time  in  the  evening. 
Soon  after  our  arrival  there,  we  were  marched 
into  an  open  field  near  by,  where  we  remained 
during  the  night.  It  being  very  cold,  large  fires 
had  been  made  by  the  rebel  soldiers  for  our 
comfort.  For  this  little  act  of  kindness  we 
indeed  felt  very  grateful  to  them.  The  next 
morning,  May  3d,  a  sinister-looking  little  for 
eigner  came  down  to  us,  and,  with  considerable 
bluster  and  many  oaths,  began  to  form  us  into 
detachments,  containing  270  men  each.  These 
detachments  were  subdivided  into  messes  of 
ninety  each,  and  placed  under  the  control  of 
a  sergeant,  whose  duty  it  was  to  attend  roll  call, 
drawing  rations,  etc.  At  length,  everything 
being  ready,  we  were  escorted  into  the  prison 
under  a  strong  guard.  It  is  impossible  to  de 
scribe  our  feelings  at  this  time.  Everywhere 
around  us  were  men  in  the  most  abject  wretch 
edness  and  misery.  Immediately  on  our  arrival 
among  them  they  began  to  gather  around  us, 
and,  in  a  very  touching  manner,  related  the  sad 
story  of  their  sufferings  and  wrongs.  We  could 


AND  THE  ESCAPE. 

only  sympathize  with  them.  Beyond  that,  we 
could  do  nothing.  We  knew  full  well  that  the 
same  cruelties  which  they  had  experienced  were 
in  store  for  us.  The  prospect  before  us  was 
dark  indeed.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  day  on 
which  I  entered  the  prison,  I  ventured  out  some 
distance  into  the  camp.  Everywhere  was  the 
most  unmistakable  evidence  of  intense  suffering 
and  destitution.  Hundreds  of  the  men  were 
without  shelter,  and  but  very  few  had  any  com 
fortable  clothing. 

The  supply  of  wood  was  very  small — scarcely 
enough  to  cook  with ;  and  the  poor  fellows  were 
obliged  to  lie,  night  after  night,  week  after 
week,  on  the  cold,  damp  ground,  without  even 
a  fire  to  warm  themselves  by. 

The  rebels  may  claim  that  there  was  some 
cause  for  not  issuing  a  sufficient  quantity  of 
food  to  our  prisoners  at  Andersonville  ;  but  for 
not  granting  us  wood  enough  to  keep  us  warm, 
and  to  cook  with,  there  can  be  no  apology.  On 
three  sides  of  the  prison  there  was  an  immense 
woodland,  from  which  all  the  wood  that  we 
needed  could  have  been  provided  with  very 
little  difficulty.  The  same  holds  true  in  regard 
to  shelter.  I  am  persuaded  that  it  was  an  act 
of  premeditated  inhumanity  on  the  part  of  our 


318  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

enemies  not  to  give  us  shelter.  It  would  have 
required  but  a  few  weeks'  time,  and  a  few  scores 
of  hands,  to  have  built  barracks  for  our  com 
fortless  boys  there,  which  would  have  been  the 
means  of  saving  hundreds  of  precious  lives.  If 
the  rebels  would  have  granted  us  even  the  rough, 
unhewn  logs,  and  axes  to  work  with,  we  would 
have  built  them  ourselves. 

The  camp  at  this  time  was  in  a  most  loath 
some  condition.  It  then  covered  an  area  of 
about  fifteen  acres,  and  was  inclosed  by  a  high 
stockade,  built  of  pine  logs,  hewn  and  closely 
joined  together. 

Upward  of  twenty  feet  from  the  stockade  was 
the  fatal  "  dead  line,"  beyond  which  any  poor 
fellow  passing  was  almost  certain  to  be  fired 
upon  by  some  of  the  ever  watchful  sentries.  In 
the  centre  of  the  camp,  and  extending  entirely 
around  it,  was  a  broad  ravine,  which,  toward  the 
beginning  of  summer,  became  one  of  the  filthi 
est  places  imaginable,  and  was  one  of  the  chief 
causes  of  the  vast  amount  of  sickness  which 
existed  during  the  months  of  July  and  August 
following.  About  this  time,  May  10th,  the 
average  rate  of  mortality  daily,  was  upward  of 
fifteen.  It  afterward  rose  as  high  as  seventy- 
five  and  one  hundred. 


AND  ;THE  ESCAPE.  319 

Sunday  morning,  June  19th,  one  of  our  men, 
unfortunately  getting  beyond  the  dead  line,  was 
fired  upon  by  the  guard.  He  was  missed,  but 
the  ball  wounded  two  others,  one  severely. 

On  the  21st,  another  man  was  shot  while 
merely  reaching  beyond  the  dead  line  for  a 
small  piece  of  wood  which  he  needed. 

Toward  the  close  of  June,  sickness  and  death 
began  to  prevail  in  camp  to  an  alarming  extent. 
The  men  died  by  scores  daily.  But  few  were 
admitted  to  the  hospital,  and  even  when  re 
ceived  there,  it  was  not  until  life  was  nearly 
extinct.  The  old  prisoners  who  had  been  in 
carcerated  for  months  at  Belle  Island  were  fall 
ing  away  with  fearful  rapidity.  Nearly  all  of 
those  still  living,  could  see  nothing  before  them 
but  a  slow,  torturing  death,  from  a  most  painful 
disease,  which  had  been  caused  by  a  want  of 
proper  food,  and  constant  exposure.  None  can 
fully  realize  the  intense  agony,  the  horrid  sus 
pense  and  wretchedness  felt  by  these  unfortu 
nate  men,  but  those  who  have  had  a  like  expe 
rience.  Indeed,  their  sufferings  were  beyond 
description.  Only  a  few  could  receive  medical 
treatment,  and  that  scarcely  worth  mentioning, 
while  in  every  part  of  camp  were  as  brave  and 
loyal  soldiers  as  any  that  had  ever  taken  up  arms 


320  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

in  defence  of  freedom,  suffering  and  dying  in  a 
manner  that  might  have  shocked  even  the  rude 
sensibilities  of  an  American  savage.  It  seemed 
that  the  more  bitter  our  anguish  became,  the 
more  delighted  were  our  fiendish  keepers.  !N"ot 
satisfied  with  the  cruelties  inflicted  upon  us, 
they  even  carried  their  animosities  beyond  this 
life,  and  declined  to  give  a  Christian  burial  to 
our  dead.  I  will  not  now  longer  dwell  upon 
this  subject.  It  is  too  painful  to  contemplate. 

July  13th,  one  of  the  men  in  attempting  to 
procure  some  clean  water  to  drink,  passed  a  lit 
tle  beyond  the  dead  line,  and  was  fired  upon  by 
two  of  the  guards  almost  simultaneously.  Both 
balls  missed  him,  but  took  effect  upon  two  other 
men,  killing  one  of  them  immediately. 

July  27th,  another  of  our  men  was  shot.  He 
received  a  horrible  wound  in  the  head,  and  was 
carried  out  of  camp  in  a  dying  condition. 

August  4th,  still  another  was  shot,  receiving 
a  severe  wound  through  the  body.  August  6th, 
another  cold-blooded  murder  was  committed. 

One  of  the  men,  passing  a  little  too  near  the 
stockade,  was  shot  dead  by  a  guard  on  duty. 
It  had  become  dangerous  to  pass  at  the  regular 
crossing.  The  sentinels  seemed  to  be  more 
vigilant  than  ever  before  in  watching  for  oppor- 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  321 

tumties  to  slioot  down  our  poor  unarmed  men. 
"No  one  was  safe.  No  warning  was  given  to  a 
thoughtless  intruder.  The  first  thing  one  would 
know  of  his  terrible  condition  after  passing  the 
fatal  line,  was  a  quick,  sharp  report,  a  groan, 
and  all  was  over — another  murder  was  com 
mitted.  About  the  middle  of  August,  the  rate 
of  mortality  was  about  eighty  per  day.  Diar 
rhoea  and  scurvy  were  the  chief  scourges  of  the 
camp.  The  fearful  work  of  death  was  visible 
every  where  around  us.  I  have  frequently  seen 
as  many  as  thirty  dead  men  lying  in  a  row  at 
the  prison  gate  to  be  carried  out  for  burial.  It 
was  sad,  indescribably  so,  to  see  these  brave 
men  dying  so  far  from  home  and  its  hallowed 
associations.  No  fond  parents  near  to  speak 
words  of  comfort  and  tenderness.  None  able  to 
minister  to  their  temporal  necessities  —  none 
who  could  alleviate  their  sufferings.  Alone 
they  must  writhe  in  the  agonies  of  death  —  alone 
to  die. 

It  was  under  such  circumstances  of  darkness 
and  misery,  that  the  shining  truths  of  Christianity 
shone  out  before  men  in  their  unsurpassed 
glory  and  heavenly  beauty.  Many  a  freed,  joy 
ous  spirit,  went  from  that  foul,  loathsome  prison, 
to  immortal  life  and  happiness. 


322  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

Thus  far,  only  some  of  the  physical  sufferings 
consequent  to  our  imprisonment  have  been 
briefly  mentioned ;  it  is  now  time  to  refer,  for  a 
few  moments,  to  the  intense  mental  trials  and 
afflictions  which  we  prisoners  experienced. 

In  my  diary,  under  date  of  August  24th,  I 
find  the  following:  "  I  believe  the  loss  of  health, 
exposure  to  privations,  and  physical  suffering 
consequent  upon  the  manner  of  life  in  which 
we  are  now  compelled  to  live,  are  not  the  sad 
dest  effects  of  our  present  captivity.  But  that 
which  is  the  most  lamentable  is  the  mental 
debility,  which,  under  the  present  state  of 
things,  we  must  necessarily  experience."  Again, 
"  The  finer  feelings  —  that  which  makes  more 
lovely — as  social  being,  love,  affection,  friend 
ship,  kindness,  and  courtesy,  are  being  con 
stantly  deadened — rooted  out  from  the  heart, 
leaving  it  in  a  most  woeful  condition."  Scarcely 
an  hour  in  which  anxiety  about  distant  friends, 
suspense  in  regard  to  the  future,  and  frequent 
despair,  were  not  felt.  It  seems  to  me  that  the 
mind  must  have  been  in  a  state  of  trouble  and 
anxiety  nearly  all  of  the  time  its  frail  tenement 
was  suffering  from  confinement  and  disease.  It 
was  almost  impossible  to  procure  reading  matter. 
Some  of  the  soldiers  had  Bibles  and  Testaments, 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  323 

which  were  eagerly  sought  after,,  and  read  by 
many  of  the  men. 

It  was  with  great  difficulty  one  could  think 
very  attentively  about  other  subjects  than  home 
and  release  from  imprisonment.  A  topic  for 
conversation  might  be  introduced  among  a  squad 
of  men ;  perhaps  they  might  talk  about  it  for  a 
few  moments,  but  it  would  soon  be  dropped, 
and  home,  friends,  and  possibility  or  proba 
bility  of  exchange  would  come  up  for  discussion. 
Men — brave  men,  indeed — became  gloomy  and 
despondent.  Light  faded  from  the  once  bril 
liant,  fiery  eye ;  the  color  disappeared  from  the 
manly  countenance ;  manhood  seemed  to  forget 
itself;  the  entire  man  was  speedily  drifting  to 
ward  a  fearful  ruin.  Hope  had  nearly  vanished. 
The  mind  was  laboring  under  intense  agony. 
To  some  the  burden  was  too  much,  and  they 
have  never  recovered  from  its  baneful  effects. 
Others  have  nearly  recovered,  but  the  scars 
remain. 

September  7th,  the  removal  of  the  prisoners 
from  Camp.  Sumter  to  other  portions  of  the 
Confederacy  was  commenced.  We  were  induced 
by  the  rebel  authorities  ta  believe  that  this  un 
expected  movement  was  for  a  general  exchange. 
With  this  belief  our  men  could  be  sent  away 


324  THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 

with  only  a  small  force  guarding  them,  which 
was  a  consideration  of  no  little  importance  with 
the  rebels  just  at  that  time. 

Suddenly  stricken  down  with  a  violent  attack 
of  the  scurvy,  I  was  unable  to  leave  with  my 
detachment,  and  was  left  with  the  sick  in  camp. 
After  suffering  several  days,  I  managed  to  get 
out  with  the  first  squad  of  sick  which  left  for  Flo 
rence,  South  Carolina.  I  was  quite  weak  and 
feeble  when  I  arrived  at  Florence,  but  a  change 
of  climate  and  diet  rapidly  improved  my  condi 
tion,  and  in  a  few  days  I  was  able  to  walk  about 
without  crutches.  Soon  afterward  I  was  de 
tailed  as  hospital  steward,  and  paroled. 

From  that  time  till  my  release,  Nov.  30th,  my 
treatment  was  much  better  than  it  had  been 
while  I  was  at  Camp  Sumter.  But  in  regard  to 
that  received  by  the  thousands  of  poor  fellows 
in  the  prison,  there  was  but  little  apparent 
change.  They  suffered  from  cold  and  hunger 
perhaps  more  than  while  at  Andersonville. 

I  will  here  close  my  accounts  of  the  sufferings 
of  our  friends.  So  far  as  I  am  concerned  per 
sonally,  I  can  forgive  our  bitter  foes  the  cruelties 
which  they  have  inflicted  upon  me.  I  do  not 
desire  revenge.  That  is  farthest  from  my  heart. 
God  will  punish  them* for  their  evil  deeds. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  325 

They  have  already  suffered  terribly.  I  feel  that 
all  should  now  try  to  do  whatever  they  can  to 
narrow  the  breach  which  exists  between  them 
and  ourselves.  I  have  always  been  glad  our 
government  so  nobly  declined  to  resort  to  retalia 
tion.  We  cannot  afford  to  be  cruel.  It  is  our 
highest  honor  to  reward  good  for  evil. 

The  magnanimity  of  our  people  is  beyond 
question,  and  our  enemies  must  acknowledge  it. 
Our  arms  have  conquered  their  proud  hosts ; 
our  kindness  must  now  subdue  the  enmity  of 
their  hearts.  We  must  be  neither  too  lenient 
nor  too  severe.  To  the  leaders  who  precipitated 
us  into  four  years  of  bloodshed  and  war,  the 
severest  punishment  which  the  law  can  give; 
but  to  the  poor  misguided  masses,  that  clemency 
which  only  a  noble  people  are  capable  of  exer 
cising. 


28- 


326     THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN, 


RATIONS  ISSUED  BY  THE  UNITED   STATES  GOVERNMENT  TO 

REBEL  PRISONERS  OP  WAR.    (Note  the  difference.) 

lard  bread, 14  oz.  per  one  ration,   or  18  oz.    soft 

bread,  one  ration. 

Corn  meal, 18  oz.  per  one  ration-. 

Beef, tf...  14  oz.  per  one  ration. 

Bacon  or  pork, 10     "          "        « 

Beans, 6  qts.  per  100  men. 

Hominy  or  rice,  8  Ibs.        "         " 

Sugar, 44    "          "         " 

R.  Coffee, 5    "    ground,  or  7  Ibs.  raw,  per  100 

men. 

Tea,  18  oz.  per  100  men. 

Soap, 4    "      "        " 

Adamantine  candles,     5  candles  per  100  men. 

Tallow  candles, 6       "          "          " 

Salt,  2  qts.  "  " 

Molasses, 1  qt.  "          " 

Potatoes,  30  Ibs.  "          " 

STATEMENT  OF  CLOTHING   ISSUED  TO  PRISONERS   OF  WAB, 

AT  FORT  DELAWARE. 
From  Sept.  1st,  1863,  to  May  1st,  1864. 

7,175  Pairs  drawers  (Canton  flannel). 
6,260  Shirts  (flannel). 
8,807  Pairs  woolen  stockings. 
i,094  Jackets  and  coats. 
3,480  Pairs  bootees. 
1,310  Pairs  trowsers. 
4,378  Woolen  blankets. 
2,680  Great  coats. 
Average  number  of  prisoners,  4,489. 


AND  THE  ESCAPE.  327 

The  following  poetical  description  of  prison 
life  in  the  south  is  from  the  genial  .pen  of  an 
Andersonville  prisoner,  whose  name  I  have  not 
been  able  to  learn. 

UNION   PRISONERS,  FROM  DIXIE'S  SUNNY  LAND. 
Air  —  "TWENTY  YEABS  AGO." 

I. 

Dear  friends  and  fellow  soldiers  brave,  come  listen  to  our  song, 

About  the  rebel  prisons,  and  our  sojourn  there  so  long; 

Yet  our  wretched  state  and  hardships  great  no  one  can  under 

stand, 
But  those  who  have  endured  this  fate  in  Dixie's  sunny  land. 

II. 

When  captured  by  the  chivalry,  they  strip't  us  to  the  skin, 
But  failed  to  give  us  back  again  the  value  of  a  pin  — 
Except  some  lousy  rags  of  gray,  discarded  by  their  band  — 
And  thus  commenced  our  prison  life  in  Dixie's  sunny  land. 

III. 

With  a  host  of  guards  surrounding  us,  each  with  a  loaded  gun, 
We  were  stationed  in  an  open  plain,  exposed  to  rain  and  sun ; 
No  tent  or  tree  to  shelter  us,  we  lay  upon  the  sand  — 
Thus  side  by  side  great  numbers  died  in  Dixie's  sunny  land. 

IV. 

This  was  the  daily  "  bill  of  fare  "  in  that  secesh  saloon  — 
No  sugar,  tea  or  coffee  there,  at  morning,  night  or  noon; 
But  a  pint  of  meal,  ground  cob  and  all,  was  served  to  every  man, 
A.nd  for  want  of  fire  we  ate  it  raw  in  Dixie's  sunny  land. 


328       THE  CAPTURE,  THE  PRISON  PEN,  ETC. 

V. 

We  wore  by  these  poor  rations  soon  reduced  to  skin  and  bone, 
A  lingering  starvation  —  worse  than  death!  you  can  but  own, 
There  hundreds  lay,  both  night  and  day,  by  far  too  weak  to 

stand, 
TUl  death  relieved  their  sufferings  in  Dixie's  sunny  land. 

VI. 

We  poor  survivors  oft  were  tried  by  many  a  threat  and  bribe, 
To  desert  our  glorious  Union  cause,  and  join  the  rebel  tribe. 
Though  fain  were  we  to  leave  the  place,  we  let  them  understand, 
We  had  rather  die  than  thus  disgrace  our  flag  !  in  Dixie's  land. 

VII 
Thus  dreary  days  and  nights  roll'd  by  -^  yes,  weeks  and 

months  untold, 

Until  that  happy  time  arrived  when  we  were  all  paroled. 
We  landed  at  Anapolis,  a  wretched  looking  band, 
But  glad  to  be  alive  and  free  from  Dixie's  sunny  land. 

VIII. 

How  like  a  dream  those  days  now  seem  in  retrospective  view, 
As  we  regain  our  wasted  strength,  all  dressed  in  "  Union  Blue." 
The  debt  we  owe  our  bitter  foe  shall  not  have  long  to  stand  ; 
We  shall  pay  it  with  a  vengeance  soon  in  Dixie's  sunny  land. 


APPENDIX. 


The  following  appendix  is  not  as  perfect  as 
I  could  wish;  it  being  very  difficult  to  avoid 
errors  in  lists  of  this  kind.  The  principal  por 
tion  of  the  names  were  taken  from  the  rebel 
adjutant's  book  at  Libby  Prison,  during  the 
winter  and  spring  of  1864,  by  Capt.  Wisher,  to 
whom  I  have  alluded  in  my  preface.  The  re 
mainder  were  compiled  during  my  imprison 
ment  at  Columbia. 


OFFICEKS 

OT  TITE 

UNITED  STATES  ARMY  AND  NAVY 

BBJav,  SLifcbj?  prison,  3Hid;montJ,  Us, 


BRIGADIER  GENERALS. 

Neal  Dow,  1st  Brigade,  2d  Division,  19  A.  C. 
E.  P.  Scammon,  3d  Dept.  W.  V. 

COLONELS. 

F.  A.  Bartleson,  100  111.  R.  W.  McClain,  51  0. 
C.  H.  Carlton,  89  0.  W.  H.  Powell,  2  Va.  C. 
P.  D.  Cesnola,  4  N.  Y.  C.           Tho.  E.  Rose,  77  Pa. 
Wm.  G.  Ely,  18  Conn.                 A.  D.  Streight,  51  Ind. 
W.  P.  Kindrick,  3  W.T.  C.         Chas.  W.  Tilden,  16  Me. 

0.  A.  Lawson,  3  0.  A.  H.  Tippin,  68  Pa. 
H.  Le  Favour,  22  Mich.  W.  T.  Wilson,  123  0. 

LIEUT.    COLONELS. 

S.  M.  Archer,  17  la.  W.  P.  Lasselle,  9  Md. 

1.  F.  Boyd,  20  A.  C.  W.  E.  McMackin,  21  111. 
T.  F.  Cavada,  114  Pa  D.  A.  McHolland,  61  Ind. 
C.  Farnsworth,  1  Conn.  C.  C.  H.  Mortin,  84  111. 

W.  A.  Glenn,  89  0.  J.  D.  Mayhew,  8  Ky. 

H.  B.  Hunter,  123  0.  D.  Miles,  79  Pa. 

A.  P.  Henry,  15  Ky.  C.  W.  B.  McCreary,  21  Mich, 

E.  L.  Hays,  100  0.  R.  S.  Northcott,  12  Va. 

H.  C.  Hobert,  21  Wis.  M.  Nichols,  18  Conn. 

0.  C.  Johnson,  15  Wis.  Wm.  Price,  139  Va.  M. 

G.  C.  Joslin,  15  Mfcss.  P.  S.  Piver,  77  Penn. 


332  APPENDIX. 

I.  J.  Polsley,  8  Va.  V.  I.  A.  Van  Schrader,  A.  I.  G. 

A.  F.  Rogers,  80  111.  I.  H.  Wing,  3  0. 

J.  P.  Spofford,  79  N.  Y.  J.  N.  Walker,  73  Ind. 

J.  M.  Sanderson,  S.  0.  J.  Williams,  25  0. 
G.  Von  Helmrich,  4  Mo.  C.      T.  S.  West,  24  Wis. 

MAJORS. 

E.  N.  Bates,  80  111.  A.  McMahan,  21  0. 

W.  T.  Beatly,  2  0.  D.  M.  Kercher,  10  Wis. 

C.  H.  Beers,  16  111.  C.  M.  Moore,  29  Ind. 

J.  P.  Collins,  29  Ind.  W.  S.  Marshall,  6  la. 

M.  E.  Clarke,  5  Mich.  S.  Marsh,  5  Md. 

D.  A.  Carpenter,  2  Tenn.  J.  R.  Muhlman,  A.  A.  G. 
J.  J.  Edwards,  32  Mass.  W.  P.  Nieper,  57  Pa. 

G.  W.  Fitzsimmons,  30  Ind.      W.  N.  Ovens,  1  Ky.  C. 

N.  Goff,  Jr.,  4  W.  Va.  C.  E.  M.  Pope,  8  N.  Y.  C. 

J.  H.  Hooper,  15  Mass.  L.  N.  Phelps,  5  Va. 

J.  Hall,  1  Va.  C.  .A.  Phillips,  77  Pa. 

Jno.  Henry,  5  0.  C.  T.  B.  Rodgers,  140  Pa. 

J.  B.  Hill,  17  Mass.  W.  I.  Russell,  A.  A.  G. 

I.  H.  Johnson,  11  Tenn.  I.  C.  Vananda,  3  0. 

S.  Kovax,  54  N.  Y.  A.  Von  Mitzel,  74  Pa. 

W.  D.  Morton,  14  N.  Y.  C.  H.  A.  White,  13  Pa.  C. 

,  S.  Mclrvin,  2  N.  Y.  C.  J.  B.  Wade,  73  Ind. 

B.  B.  McDonald,  101  0.  Harry  White,  67  Pa. 

CAPTAINS. 

W.  F.  Armstrong,  74  0.  H.  R.  Bending,  61  0. 

S.  C.  Arthurs,  67  Pa.  M.  R.  Baldwin,  2  Wis. 

W.  Airey,  15  Pa.  C.  C.  D.  Brown,  18  Conn. 

E.  C.  Alexander,  1  Del.  W.  P.  Bender,  123  0. 
W.  B.  Avery,  132  N.  Y.  John  Bird,  14  Pa.  C. 
I.  A.  Arthur,  8  Ky.  C.  L.  B.  Blinn,  100  0. 

H.  H.  Alban,  21  0.  D.  E.  Bohannon,  3  T.  C. 

W.  R.  Adams,  89  0.  Dav.  I.  Bailey,  99  N.  Y. 

C.  A.  Adams,  1  Verm.  A.  J.  Bigelow,  79  111. 
Jno.  Albright,  87  Pa.  Jno.  Birch,  42  Ind. 
E.  W.  Atwood,  16  Me.  D.  M.  Barritt,  89  0. 

M.  Boyd,  73  Ind.  W.  M.  Beeman,  1  Va.  C. 

Chas.  Byron,  3  0.  F.  Barton,  10  Mass. 

E.  Baas,  20  111.  J.  H.  Barton,  1  Ky.  C. 

L.  T.  Borgers,  67  Pa.  E.  B.  Bascom,  5  la. 

H.  P.  Barker,  1  R.  I.  C.  B.  V.  Banks,  13  Ky. 

W.  K.  Boltz,  181  Pa.  Jno.  G.  Bush,  16  111.  C. 


APPENDIX. 


333 


W.  J.  Barnes,  83  N.  Y. 

A.  Carley,  73  Ind. 
H.  Casker,  1  N.  Y.  C. 
W.  F.  Conrad,  25  la. 

J.  W.  Chamberlain,  123  0. 

D.  S.  Caldwell,  123  0. 
J.  Carroll,  5  Md. 

J.  C.  Carpenter,  67  Pa. 

B.  G.  Casler,  154  N.  Y. 

C.  C.  Comee,  94  N.  Y. 

E.  Charleer,  157  N.  Y. 
Jno.  Cutler,  34  0. 

R.  T.  Cornwall,  67  Pa. 
Jno.  Craig,  1  Va.  Cav. 
Jno.  Christopher,  16  U.  S. 
J.  P.  Cummins,  9  Md. 
M.  A.  Gochran,  16  U.  S. 
T.  Clarke,  79  111. 
J.  Cusac,  21  0. 
W.  A.  Collins,  10  Wis. 
B.  F.  Campbell,  36  111. 
S.  S.  Canfield,  21  0. 
T.  Cummins,  19  if.  S. 
Miles  Caton,  21  0. 

D.  S.  Cannover,  125  111. 
G.  A.  Crocker,  6  N.  Y.  C. 
W.  N.  Cochran,  42  111. 
M.  Callahan,  9  Md. 

W.  E.  Conway,  9  Md. 
J.  P,  Cummins,  9  Md. 
M.  C.  Cams,  3  Tenn. 
J.  R.  Copeland,  7  0.  C. 

A.  R.  Calhoun,  1  Ky. 
R.  S.  Curd,  11  Ky.  C. 

E.  M.  Driscoll,  3  0. 
W.  N  Deung,  51  Ind. 

B.  Domschke,  26  Wis. 

F.  B.  Doten,  14  Conn. 

F.  W.  Billion,  1  Ky.  C. 
H.  C.  Davis,  18  Conn. 
Jno.  Dunce,  A.  D.  C. 
W.  H.  Douglas,  C.  S. 
K.  S.  Dygert,  16  Mich. 
H.  Dietz,  45  N.  Y. 

J.  M.  Dushane,  142  N.  Y. 


G.  C.  Davis,  4  Me 
R.  H.  Day,  56  Pa. 
E.  Day,  Jr.,  89  O. 
R.  Dinsmore,  5  Pa. 
E.  J.  Dunn,  1  Tenn.  C. 

E.  Dillirighfcm,  10  Va. 

F.  C.  Dirks,  1  Tenn. 

H.  H.  Eberhardt,  120  0. 
B.  F.  Evers,  100  0. 
S.  H.  Ewing,  26  0. 
M.  Ewen,  21  Wis. 

A.  Eglin,  45  0. 

Jno.  M.  Flinn,  51  Ind. 
E.  A.  Fobes,  C.  S. 

B.  F.  Fischer,  S.  0. 
A.  Field,  94  N.  Y. 
J.  B.  Fay,  154  N.  Y. 
E.  Frey,  82  111. 

W.  Forrester,  24  0. 
J.  W.  Foster,  42  111. 
Dt  Getman,  10  N.  Y.  C 

G.  C.  Gordon,  24  Mich, 
G.  W.  Green,  19  Ind. 
H.  W.  Giraber,  150  Pa. 
W.  L.  Gray,  151  Pa. 

J.  H.  Green,  100  0. 
Chas.  Gustaveson,  15  Wis. 
J.  F.  Gallaher,  2  0. 
J.  Goetz,  22  Mich. 

A.  G.  Galbraith,  22  Mich. 
J.  Gates,  33  0. 

0.  C.  Gatch,  89  0. 
S.  A.  Glenn,  89  0. 
J.  W.  Grose,  18  Ky. 

B.  Grafton,  64  0. 

H.  H.  Gregg,  13  Pa.  C. 

Jas.  Gait,  A.  Q.  M. 

M.  Gallagher,  2  N.  Y.  C. 

Dan'l  Hay,  80  111. 

A.  Hodge,  80  111. 

J.  G.  Hagler,  5  Tenn. 

A.  M.  Heyer,  10  Va.  C. 

J.  Hendricks,  1  N.  Y.  C. 

John  Heil,  45  N.  Y. 

A.  Haack,  18  N.  Y. 


334 


APPENDIX. 


S.  G.  Hamlin,  134  N.  Y. 
W  L.  Hubbell,  17  Conn. 
P.  H.  Hart,  19  Ind. 
A.  Heffley,  142  Pa. 
W.  W.  Hant,  100  0. 
Chas.  Hasty,  2  N.  Y.  C. 
A.  G.  Hamilton,  12  Ky. 
T,  Handy,  79  111. 
V.  K.  Hart,  19  U.  S. 
H.  Hescock,  1  Mo.  A. 
R.  Harkness,  10  Wis. 
H.  E.  Hawkins,  78  111. 

C.  C.  Huntley,  16  111. 
J.  B.  Herold,  9  Md. 

S.  C.  Honeycutt,  2  E.  T. 

S.  Irvin,  3  Iowa. 

S.  F.  Jones,  80  111. 

J.  M.  Imbrie,  3  0. 

R.  Johnson,  6  N.  Y.  C. 

F.  Irich,  45  N.  Y. 

J.  C.  Johnson,  149  Pa. 

F.  R.  Josselyn,  11  Mass. 

R.  0.  Ivro,  10  Mass. 

D.  I.  Jones,  1  Ky.  C. 
J.  S.  Jackson,  22  111. 
J.  M.  Johnson,  6  Ky. 

J.  A.  Johnson,  11  Ky.  C. 
J.  T.  Jennings,  45  0. 
W.  M.  Kendall,  73  Ind. 

E.  M.  Kech,  5  Md. 
S.  B.  King,  12  Pa.  C. 
A.  M.  Keeler,  22  Mich. 
D.  A.  Kelly,  1  Ky.  0. 
J.  Kelly,  73  Pa. 

D.  F.  Kelly,  73  Pa. 
J.  Kennedy,  73  Pa. 

W.  D.  Lucas,  5  N.  Y.  C. 

R.  F.  Lownsberry,  ION.  Y.  C. 

L.  P.  Lovett,  5  Ky. 

John  Lucas,  5  Ky. 

J.  W.  Lewis,  4  Ky.  C. 

E.  M.  Lee,  5  Mich.  C. 
J.  E.  Love,  8  Ks. 

J.  R.  Land,  66  Ind. 
S.  McKfce,  14  Ky.  C. 


D.  H.  Mull,  73  Ind. 

D.  A.  McHolland,  51  Ind. 
J.  B.  McRoberts,  3  0. 
McMoore,  29  Ind. 

W.  M.  Morris,  93  111. 
H.  C.  McGuiddy,  1  T.  C. 
F.  Mennert,  5  Md. 

E.  J.  Matthewson,  18  Conn, 
W.  F.  Martins,  14  Mass.  A. 
P.  Marsh,  67  Pa. 

D.  B.  Meany,  13  P&.  C. 
C.  C.  Moses,  58  Pa. 

C.  A.  Mann,  5  111.  C. 

S.  Marsh,  5  Md. 

J.  McMahon,  94  N.  Y. 

E.  A.  Mass.  88  Pa. 

A.  J.  Makepeace,  19  Ind. 

H.  H.  Mason,  2  N.  Y.  C. 

C.  W.  Medcaif,  42  Ind. 

J.  S.  McDowell,  77  Pa. 

J.  G.  Williams,  51  111. 

J.  Meagher,  40  0. 

W.  McGinnis,  74  111. 

J.  M.  McComas,  9  Md. 

A.  W.  Metcalf,  14  N.  Y.  C. 

M.  R.  Milsaps,  2  E.  T. 

A.  Marney,  2  E.  T. 

W.  M.  Murray,  2  E.  T. 

J.  C.  Martin,  .1  Tenn.  A. 

S.  Meade,  11  N.  Y. 

W.  A.  Noel,  5  Md. 

H.  Noble,  9  Md. 

T.  W.  Olcott,  134  N.  Y. 

E.  O'Brien,  29  Mo. 
N.  C.  Pace,  80  111. 

J.  D.  Phelps,  73  Ind. 

F.  A.  Patterson,  3  Va.  C. 
J.  F.  Porter,  14  N.  Y.  C. 
J.  A.  Pennfield,  5  N.  Y.  C. 

E.  Porter,  154  N.  Y. 
S.  V.  Pool,  154  N.  Y. 

F.  Place,  157  N.  Y. 

S.  H.  Pillsbury,  5'  Me. 
R.  Bollock,  14  Pa.  C. 

G.  S.  Pierce,  19  U.  S. 


APPENDIX. 


335 


F.  W.  Perry,  10  Wis. 

E.  J.  Pennypacker,  18  Pa.  C. 

W.  F.  Pickerill,  5  la. 

J.  E.  Page,  5  la. 

J.  A.  Richley,  73  Ind. 

M.  Russell,  51  Ind. 

P.  C.  Reed,  3  0. 

W.  C.  Rossman,  3  0. 

J.  F.  Randolph,  123  0. 

A.  Robbing,  123  0. 
C.  H.  Riggs,  123  0. 

0.  H.  Rosenbaum,  123  0. 

W.  Rowan,  Indp.  C. 

M.  Rollins,  2  Wis. 

J.  C.  Rose,  4  Mo.  6. 

Thos.  Reed,  1  Va. 

W.  A.  Robinson,  77  la. 

B.  F.  Riggs,  18  Ky. 
N.  S.  Randall,  2  0. 
J.  A.  Rice,  73  111. 
W.  J.  Robb,  1  Va. 
A.  Rodgers,  4  Ky.  C. 

C.  Rowan,  96  111. 

S.  B.  Ryder,  5  N.  Y.  C. 

C.  Reynolds,  8  Tenn. 

W.  H.  Robins,  2  E.  Tenn. 
J.  A.  Russell,  93  111. 
W.  W.  Searce,  51  Ind. 
W.  A.  Swayze,  3  0. 

D.  D.  Smith,  1  Tenn.  C. 

E.  Szabad,  A.  D.  C. 

H.  W.  Sawyer,  1  N.  J.  C. 
E.  A.  Shepherd,  110  0. 
D.  Schirtz,  12  Pa.  C. 
Geo.  L.  Schell,  88  Pa. 
S.  A. -Urquhard,  C.  S. 

G.  H.  Starr,  88  Pa. 

J.  R.  Stone,  157  N.  Y. 

Wm.  Syring,  45  N.  Y. 

R.  Scofield,  1  Va.  C. 

T.  M.  Shoemaker,  100  0. 

J.  A.  Scammerhornr  112  Ind. 

J.  C.  Shroad,  77  Pa. 


A.  H.  Stanton,  16  U.  S. 
R.  H.  Spencer,  10  Wis. 
S.  A.  Spencer,  82  0. 
E.  L.  Smith,  19  U.  S. 
J.  P.  Singer,  33  0. 

A.  P.  Seuter,  2  E.  Tenn. 
P.  S.  Scott,  85  111. 

T.  Thornton,  161  N.  Y. 
John  Teed,  116  Pa. 
0.  Templeton,  107  Pa. 
H.  D.  Taylor,  100  0. 

B.  E.  Thomson,  A.  D.  C. 
T.  Ten  Eyck,  18  U.  S. 
A.  Tubbs,  9  Ky.  C. 

T.  Thornton,  5  U.  S. 
G.  C.  Urwiler,  67  Pa. 
J.  D.  TJnderdown,  2  E.  D. 
J.  W.  Vanderhoef,  45  N.  Y. 
G.  M.  Van  Buren,  6  N.  Y.  C 
A.  Wilson,  80  111. 
W.  R.  Wright,  80  111. 
J.  A.  Wistlake,  73  Ind. 
Wm.  Walleck,  51  Ind. 
G.  W.  Warner,  18  Conn. 

C.  W,  White.  3  Va.  C. 
W.  Willets,  7  Mich. 

J.  C.  Whiteside,  94  N.  Y. 
T.  E.  Wentworth,  16  Me. 
W.  C.  Wilson,  104  N.  Y. 
H.  C.  White,  94  N.  Y. 
C.  C.  Widdis,  150  Pa. 
Geo.  M.  White,  1  Va. 
W.  H.  Williams,  4  N.  Y.  C. 
P.  Wellsheimer,  21  111. 
H.  P.  Wands,  22  Mich. 
W.  B.  Wicker,  21  0. 
J.  E.  Wilkens,  112  111. 
J.  G.  Wild,  9  N.  Y.  C. 
J.  H.  Whelan,  A.  Q.  M. 
E.  A.  Wolcott,  16  111. 
M.  G.  Whitney,  29  Mo. 
H.  Zeis,  80  111. 
J.  C.  Slover,  3  E.  TL 


APPENDIX. 


LIEUTENANTS. 


M.  Ah  era,  10  Va. 
C.  L.  Alstaed,  54  N.  Y. 
S.  A.  Albro,  80  111. 
Jas.  Adams,  80  111. 
W.  A.  Adair,  51  Ind. 
H.  Appel,  1  Md.  C. 
R.  W.  Anderson,  122  0. 
H.  F.  Anshutz,  12  Va. 

F.  S.  Armstrong,  122  O. 
H.  M.  Anderson,  3  Me. 
J.  H.  Ahlert,  45  N.  Y. 
C.  L.  Anderson,  3  la. 

G.  D.  Acker,  123  0. 
H.  W.  Adams,  37  111. 

E.  E.  Andrews,  22  Mich. 
A.  Alice,  16  111.  C. 

H.  S.  Albin,  79  111. 

R.  J.  Allen,  2  E.  Tenn. 

P.  Atkin,  2  E.  Tenn. 

A.  B.  Alger,  22  0.  B. 

J.  W.  Austin,  5  la. 

Mich.  Ahern,  10  Va. 

H.  C.  Abernathy,  16  111.  C. 

T.  I.  Brownell,  51  Ind. 

J.  W.  Barlow,  51  Ind. 

J.  G.  Blue,  3  0. 

0.  P.  Barnes,  3  0. 

G.  W.  Bailey,  3  0. 

J.  L.  Brown,  73  Ind. 

A.  H.  Booher,  73  Ind. 
J.  F.  Bedwell,  80  0. 

W.  Blancherd,  2  U.  S.  C. 

B.  F.  Blair,  123  0. 

H.  S.  Bevington,  123  0. 

F.  W.  Boyd,  123  0. 

F.  A.  Breckenridge,  123  0. 
Jno.  D.  Babb,  5  Md. 

J.  G.  W.  Brueting,  5  Md. 
T.  J.  Borchers,  67  Pa. 
W.  Bierbower,  87  Pa. 

G.  C.  Bleak,  3  Me. 
W.  H.  Berry,  5  111.  C. 
H.  Bath,  45  N.  Y. 


L.  C.  Bisby,  16  Me. 
M.  Beedle,  123  N.  Y. 

C.  T.  Barclay,  149  P*». 
J.  D.  Bisby,  16  Me. 

S.  G.  Boone,  88  Pa. 

D.  S.  Bartram,  17  Conn. 
Jas.  Burns,  57  Pa. 

S.  H.  Ballard,  6  Mich.  C. 
S-  T.  Boughton,  71  Pa. 
M.  M.  Bassett,  53  111. 
R.  Y.  Bradford,  2  W.  T. 
W.  Bricker,  3  Pa.  C. 
J.  T.  Brush,  100  0. 
0.  G.  Ballow,  100  0. 
J.  F.  Baird,  1  Va. 
E:  G.  Birun,  3  Mass. 
G.  E.  Blaire,  17  0. 
Jas.  Biggs,  123  111. 
Y.  Bickham,  19  U.  S. 
J.  P.  Brown,  15  U.  S. 
M.  C.  Bryant,  42  111. 
0.  B.  Brandt,  17  0. 
G.  W.  Button,  22  Mich. 

C.  A.  Burdick,  10  Wis. 
J.  L.  Brown,  73  Ind. 

F.  T.  Bennett,  18  U.  S. 
Jno.  Baird,  89  0. 

W.  0.  Butler,  10  Wis. 

D.  A.  Bannister,  59  0. 
Jno.  Bradford,  C.  S. 

G.  R.  Barse,  5  Mich.  C. 
C.  P.  Butler,  29  Ind. 

E.  P.  Brooks,  6  Wis. 
W.  L.  Brown,  R.  0. 
G.  W.  Buffum,  I  Wis. 
Guy  Bryan,  18  Pa.  C. 
S.  S.  Baker,  6  Mo. 
H.  Bader,  29  Mo. 

S.  H.  Byers,  5  la. 
W.  L.  Bath,  132,  N.  Y. 
Geo.  M.  Bush,  U.  S.  T. 
A.  H.  Bassett,  79  111. 
J.  C.  Colwell,  16  111.  C. 


APPENDIX. 


337 


Jno.  H.  Conn,  1  Ya.   C. 

S.  Carpenter,  3  0. 

W.  A.  Curry,  3  0. 

K.  J.  Connelly,  73  Ind. 

A.  M'Callahan,  73  Ind. 

J.  W.  Custed,  23  Ind. 

J.  D.  Cook,  6  la. 

J.  Carothers,  78  0. 

S.  R.  Colloday,  6  Pa.  C. 

T.  B.  Calver,  123  0. 

L.  B.  Comins,  17  Mass. 

J.  H.  Cook,  5  Md. 

J.  H.  Chandler,  5  Md. 

E.  D.  Carpenter,  18  Conn. 

H.  F.  Cowles,  18  Conn. 

W.  Cristopher,  2  Va.  C. 

J.  Q.  Carpenter,  150  Pa. 

H.  B.  Chamberlain,  97  N.  Y. 

T.  J,  Crossley,  57  Pa. 

J.  A.  Carman,  107  Pa. 

J.  A.  Coffin,  157  N.  Y. 

D.  J.  Conelly,  63  N.  Y. 

J.  U.  Childs,  16  Me. 

D.  B.  Caldwell,  75  0. 

W.  B.  Cook,  140  Pa. 

J.  W.  Chandler.  1  Va.  C. 

H.  A.  Curtice,  157  N.  Y. 

J.  Chatborn,   150  Pa. 

S.  E.  Gary,  13  Mass. 

A.  Cloadt,  119  N.  T. 
J.  Clement,  15  Ky.  C. 
G.  A.  Chandler,  15  Mo. 
J.  H.  Cain,  104  N.  Y. 

B.  Coles,  2  N.  Y.  C. 
J.  B.  Carlisle,  2  Va. 

G.  B.  Coleman,  1  Mass.  C. 
G.  A.  Coffin,  29  Ind. 
J.  L.  Cox,  21  111. 
W.  N.  Culbertson,  30  Ind. 

F.  G.  Cochran,  77  Pa. 
Geo.  Cleghorn,  21  0. 
W.  W.  Calkins,  104  111. 

G.  Celly,  4  0.  C. 

H.  B.  Crawford,  2  111. 
T.  S.  Coleman,  12  Ky.  C. 

29 


0.  L.  Cole,  51  111. 

Rudolph  Curtis,  4  Ky.  C. 

M.  C.  Causton,  19  U.  S. 

E.  Cottingham,  35  0. 

W.  Clifford,  16  U.  S. 

M.  Cohen,  4  Ky.  C. 

A.  S.  Cooper,  9  Md. 

J.  F.  Carter,  9  Md. 

W.  H.  Crawford,  2  E.  T. 

C.  W.  Catlett,  2  E.  T. 

C.  J.  Carlin,  151  N.  Y. 

H.  Cuniffe,  13  111. 

C.  H.  Coasdorph,  8  V.  C. 

G.  W.  Carey,  65  Ind. 

J.  G.  Doughty,  51  Ind. 

J.  A   Dilan,  51  Ind. 

A.  F.  Dooley,  51  Ind. 

T.  B.  Dewies,  2  U.  S. 

M.  Diemer,  10  Mo. 

V.  R.. Davis,  123  0. 

C.  G.  Davis,  1  Mass.  C. 

L.  N.  Dueherney,  1  Mass.  C. 

J.  R.  Day,  3  Me. 

J.  S.  Devine,  71  Pa. 

Geo.  A.  Deering,  16  Me. 

A.  Dixon,  104  N.  Y. 
Jno.  Daily,  104  N.  Y. 
C.  H.  Drake,  142  Pa. 

B.  Davis,  71  Pa. 

A.  K.  Dunkel,  114  Pa. 
F.  Donyley,  27  R.  I. 
J.  W.  Drake,  136  N.  Y. 

C.  D.  Dillard,  7  la. 
J.  W.  Day,  17  Mass. 

J.  M.  Dushane,  142  Pa: 
0.  G.  Deugfcon,  100  0. 
T.  G.  Darnin,  16  U.  S. 
H.  C.  Dunn,  10  Ky. 
W.  G.  Dutton,  67  Pa. 
L.  Drake,  22  Mich. 
E.  J.  Davis,  44  111. 
M.  V.  Dickey,  94  0. 
Jno.  Dugan,  35  Ind. 
Thos.  J.  Dean,  5  Mich. 
Jno.  Davidson,  6  N.  Y.  A. 


£38 


APPENDIX. 


W.  A.  Daily,  8  Pa.  C. 
E.  H.  Duncan,  2  E.  T. 
A.  Dieffenbach,  73  Pa. 

C.  L.  Edmunds,  67  Pa. 

D.  C.  Edwards,  2  Md. 
J.  Egan,  69  Pa. 

S.  Edmiston,  89  0. 

W.  H.  Ellenwood,  10  Wis. 

C.  W.  Earle,  96  III. 

G.  H.  Erickson,  5TN.  Y. 
Geo.  W.  Fish,  3  0. 
A.  Frey,  73  Ind. 
J.  A.  Francis,  18  Conn. 
W.  Flick,  67  Pa. 
J.  M.   Fales,  1  R.  I.  C. 
L.  P.  Fortescue,  29  Pa. 
M.  Fellows,  149  Pa. 
W.  Fenner,  2  R.  I.  C. 
G.  D.  Forsyth,  100  0. 
G.  H.  Fowler,  100  0. 
J.  C.  Fisler,  7  Ind.  B. 
T.  C.  Freman,  18  U.  S. 
R.  J.  Fisher,  17  Mo. 
Chas.  Fritze,  24  111. 
J.  A.  Flemming,  90  N.  Y. 

E.  F.  Foster,  30  Ind. 
H.  Fairchild,  10  Wis. 

0.  P.  Fairchild,  89  0. 
W.  H.  Follette,  Mass.  A. 
A.  W.  Fritchie,  26  Mo. 

1.  Fontaine,  73  Pa. 

E.  H.  Fobes,  131  N.  Y. 

D.  D.  Fox,  16  111.  C. 
A.  Gude,  51  Ind. 

H.  Gamble,  73  Ind. 
Jno.  A.  Garces,  1  Md.  C. 
Th.  G.  Good,  1  Md.  C. 
0.  M   Gross,  100  0. 
S.  L.  Oilman,  3  M. 
G.  W.  Grant  88  Pa. 
A.  Goodwin,  82  0. 
0.  Grierson,  45  N.Y. 

F.  C.  Gay,  11  Pa. 

•C.  F.  Gutland,  134  N.  Y. 

E.  G.  Gorgus,  90  Pa. 


J.  Gilmore,  79  N.  Y. 
S.  P.  Gamble,  63  Pa. 
G.  L.  Garrett,  4  Mo.  C. 

F.  M.  Gilleland,  15  Ky. 
Geo.  H.  Gamble,  8  111.  C. 

D.  Garlet,  77  Pa. 
T.  Gross,  21  111. 

H.  Gerhardt,  24111. 

R.  H.  Gray,  15  U.  S. 

J.  M.  Goff,  10  Wis. 

W.  G.  Galloway,  15  U.  S. 

J.  H.  Gageby,  19  U.  S. 

R.  C.  Gates,  18  U.  S. 

C,  W.  Green,  44  Ind. 

J.  B.  Gore,  15  111. 

J.  A.  Green,  13  Pa.  C. 

W.  W.  Glazier,  2  N.  Y.  C. 

E.  Gordon,  81  Ind. 
A.  L.  Gates,  10  Wis. 
M.  Gray,  13  N.  Y. 
W.  G.  Griffin, -112m. 

C.  Greble,  8  Mich.  C. 
Geo.  Good,  84  Pa. 

M.  E.  Green,  5  Md.  C. 
J.  B.  Holmes,  6  0. 
Jno.  Hood,  80  111. 
R.  J.  Harmer,  80  111. 
W.  H.  Harvey,  51  Ind. 

G.  D.  Hand,  51  Ind. 

D.  H.  Harns,  3  0. 
Jno.  Haideman,  129  111. 
H.  S.  Horton,  101  Pa. 
W.  E.  Hodge,  5  Md. 
W.  Hawkins,  5  Md. 

D.  W.  Hakes,  18  Conn. 
J.  D.  Higgins,  18  Conn. 
W.  Heffner,  67  Pa. 

F.  A.  Hubble,  67  Pa. 

J.  C.  Hagenbach,  67  Pa. 

J.  Hersh,  87  Pa. 

J.  Hall,  87  Pa. 

P.  Homey,  110  0. 

T.  J.  Higginson,  M.  C. 

J.  G.  Hallenberg,  1  0. 

A.  Hauf,  54  N.  Y. 


APPENDIX. 


339 


H.  H.  Hinds,  57  Pa. 
Thos.  Huggins,  2  N.  Y. 
Eug.  Hepp,  82  111. 
C.  P.  Heffley,  142  Pa. 
J.  M.  Henry,  154  N.  Y. 
G.  Halpin,  116  Pa. 
E.  H.  Harkness,  6  Pa.  C. 
J.  D.  Hatfield,  53  111. 

A.  W.  Hayes,  34  0. 

J.  F.  Hammond,  R.  B. 
H.  Hubbard,  12  N.  Y. 
W.  S.  Hatcher,  30  0. 
Jno.  Hine,  100  0. 
M.  B.  Helmes,  1  Va.  C. 
C.  B.  Hall,  1  Va.  C. 
Eli  Holden,  1  Va.  C. 

B.  Howe,  21  111. 

P.  W.  Houlchen,  16  U.  S. 

C.  D.  Henry,  4  0.  C. 
J.  Hanon,  115  111. 

C.  E.  Harrison,  89  0. 

Geo.  Harris,  79  Ind. 

W:  B.  Hamilton.  22  Mich. 

S.  S.  Holbruck,  "15  U.  S. 

L.  D.  Henkley,  10  Wis. 

E.  G.  Higby,  33  0. 

W.  M.  Hudson,  92  0. 

H.  Horway,  78  111. 

C.  F.  Hall,  13  Mich. 

G.  C.  Houston,  2  N.  Y.  C. 

P.  A.  Hagen,  7  Md. 

J.  R.  Hutchinson,  2  Va.  C. 

G.  W.  Hale,  101  0. 

R.  Huey,  2  E.  T. 

W.  P.  Hodge,  2  E.  T. 

E.  Harbour,  2  E.  T. 

B.  F.  Herrington,  18  Pa.  C. 
Jas.  Heslit,  3  Pa.  C. 

Jno.  Hoffman,  5  la. 
T.  W.  Hayes,  5  la. 
M.  Hoffman,  5  la. 
J.  M.  Holloway,  6  Ind. 

C.  M.  Hart,  45  Pa. 
J.  P.  Jones,  55  0. 
C.  L.  Irwin,  78  111. 


C.  W.  Jones,  16  Pa.  C. 

P.  0.  Jones,  adj't,  2  N.  Y.  C. 

J.  A.  Jones,  21  111. 

J.  H.  Jenkins,  21  Wis. 

R.  W.  Jackson,  21  Wis. 

T.  W.  Johnson,  10  N.  Y.  C. 

H.  P.  Jordan,  9  Md. 

H.  Jones,  5  U.  S.  G. 

R.  B.  Jones,  2  E.  T. 

H.  H.  James,  6  Ind.  C. 

John  King,  5  111.  C. 

M.  D.  King,  3  0. 

A.  J.  Kuhn,  5  Md. 

H.  V.  Knight,  20  Mich. 

J.  S.  Kephart,  5  Md.  C. 

Jas.  Kerin,  6  U.  S.  C. 

J.  B.  King,  10  N.  Y.  C. 

G.  Keyes,  18  Conn. 

J.  N.  Kibbee,  l&Conn. 

A.  Kresge,  67  Pa. 

R.  0.  Knowles,  110  0. 

H.  Kendler,  45  N.  Y. 

M.  Kupp,  167  Pa. 

Jas.  Kane,  13  Pa.  C. 

R.  C.  Knaggs,  A.  D.  C. 

J.  Kunkel,  45  N.  Y. 

J.  W.  Kennedy,  134  N.  Y. 

J.  C.  Kellogg,  6  Mich. 

D.  0.  Kelly,  100  0. 
J.  D.  Kautz,  1  Ky.  C. 
T.  A.  Krocks,  77  Pa. 
T.  D.  Kimball,  88  Ind. 
Wm.  Krueger,  2  Mo. 

E.  E.  Knoble,  21  Ky. 

E.  M.  Knowles,  42  Ind. 
J.  Keniston,  100  111. 

S.  Koach,  100  111. 

C.  E.  Keath,  19  111. 
Theo.  Kendall,  15  U.  S. 
H.  B.  Kelly,  6  Ky.  C. 

D.  F.  Kittrell,  3  E.  T. 
W.  S.  Lyon,  23  0. 

T.  Lennig,  6  Pa.  C. 

F.  A.  Leyton,  18  Ind. 
A.  W.  Loomis,  18  Conn. 


340 


APPENDIX. 


A.  H.  Lindsay,  18  Conn. 
L.  Lapton,  116  0. 
W.  H.  Locke,  18  Conn. 
J.  Leydecker,  45  N.  Y. 
L.  Lindemeyer,  45  N.  Y. 
H.  G.  Lombard,  4  Mich. 
W.  L.  Laws,  18  Pa.  C. 
A.  T.  Lamson,  104,  N.  Y. 
A.  W.  Locklin,  94  N.  Y. 
G.  R.  Lodge,  53  111. 
T.  Lloyd,  6  Ind.  C. 

C.  H.  Livingston,  1  Va.  C. 
J.  L.  Leslie,  18  Pa.  C. 

D.  R.  Locke,  8  Ky.  C. 
J.  Ludlow,  5  U.  S.  A. 
A.  Leonard,  71  N.  Y. 
W.  J.  Lintz,  8  Tenn. 
Jno.  McAdams,  10  Va. 
L.  Markbreit,  A.  D.  C. 
J.  McKinstry,  16  111.  C. 
T.  Milward,  31  0. 

W.  H.  McDill,  80  111. 
W.  S.  Marshall,  51  Ind. 
J.  H.  Murdock,  3  0. 

C.  A.  Maxwell,  30. 

H.  S.  Murdock,  73  Ind. 
J.  D.  Munday,  73  Ind. 
J.  S.  Mettee,  5  Md. 
Jno.  McCumas,  5  Md. 
W.  J.  Morris,  5  Md. 
T.  F.  McGinnes,  18  Conn 
F.  McKeag,  18  Conn. 
H.  Morningstar,  87  Pa. 
J.  S.  Manning,  100  0. 
Thos.  Mosbey,  12  Pa.  C. 

D.  McNeil,  13  Pa.  C. 
W.  A.  Murry,  106  N.  Y. 
H.  Moaltin,  1  U.  S. 

L.  Majer,  12  Pa.  C. 
W.  J.  McConnelee,  4  la. 
D.  McCully,  75  0. 
0.  Mussehl,  68  N.  Y. 
H.  H.  Moseley,  25  0. 
Thos.  Myers,  107  Pa. 
C.  Murry,  16  Mo. 


B.  N.  Mann,  17  Mass. 
J.  A.  Mitchell,  82  0. 

,  A.  McDade,  154  N.  Y. 
J.  A.  Mendenhall,  75  0. 
J.  R.  Mell,  82  111. 
V.  Mylieus,  68  N.  Y. 
F.  Moran,  73  N.  Y. 
J.  Mooney,  107  Pa. 

F.  Murphy,  97  N.  Y. 

G.  H.  Morisey,  12  la.  Q.  M, 
H.  E.  Mosher,  12  N.  Y.  C. 
S.  T.  Merwin,  18  Conn. 
Thos.  Maver,  100  0. 

T.  H.  McKee,  21  111. 
J.  W.  Messick,  42  Ind. 
D.  F.  McKay,  18  Pa. 
R.  G.  McKay,  1  Mich. 
Wm.  McEboy,  3  111. 
N.  S.  McKee,  21  111. 
J.  Mitchell,  79  111. 
J.  McGowan,  29  Ind. 
M.  Mahon,  16  U.  S. 
J.  F.  Mackey,  16  U.  S. 

C.  H.  Morgan,  21  Wis. 
A.  S.  Mat  hews,  22  Mich. 
J.  S.  Mahony,  15  U.  S. 
S.  McNeal,  51  0. 

L.  C.  Mead,  22  Mich. 
A.  U.  McCane,  2  0. 
M.  V.  Morrison,  32  0. 
A.  H.  Makinson,  10  Wis. 
W.  H.  Mead,  6  Ky.  C. 
A.  Morse,  78  111. 
A.  Morris,  4  Ky.  C. 
J.  McKinley,  28  0. 
H.  Morey,  10  N.  Y.  C. 
G.  W.  Moore,  9  Md. 
H.  F.  Meyer.  9  Md. 
R.  A.  Moon, '6  Mich.  C. 
M.  M.  Moore,  6  Mich.  C. 
Jno.  Millis,  66  Ind. 
J.  McDonald,  2  E.  T. 
J.  McColgen,  7  0.  C. 
D.T.  Moore,  2  E.  T. 
J.  H.  Mason,  21  0. 


APPENDIX. 


341. 


J.  McBeth,  45  0. 

R.  if  Montgomery,  5  U.  S.  C. 

F.  Moore,  73  Pa. 

J.  McGovern,  73  Pa. 
A.  McNiece,  73  Pa. 

G.  Maw,  80  0. 

J.  F.  Morgan,  17  Mich. 
C.  Miller,  14  111.  C. 
W.  J.  Nowlan,  14  N.  Y. 

A.  N.  Norris,  107  Pa. 
Wm.    Nelson,  13  U.  S. 

J.  C.  Norcross,  2  Mass.  C. 
J.  F.  Newbrandt,  4  Mo.  C. 
Wm.  Nyce,  2  N.  Y.  C. 

B.  H.  Niemeger,  11  Ky.  C. 
0.  P.  Norris,  111  0. 

Jno.  O'Connor,  59  0. 
0.  C.  Oug,  2  Va.  C. 
E.  W.  Pelton,  2  Md. 
E.  W.  Parcey,  80  111. 
S.  B.  Piper,  3  0. 
G.  A.  Pottee,  2  Ky. 
J.  B.  Pumpbrey,  123  0. 
W.  G.  Purnell,  6  Md. 

C.  G.  A.  Peterson,  1  R.  I.  C. 
E.  B.  Parker,  1  R,  I.  C. 
Henry  S.  Platt,  11  Mich, 

E.  C.  Parker,  94  N.  Y. 
H.  C.  Potter,  18  Pa.  C. 
T.  Paulding,  6  U.  S.  C. 
J.  F.  Poole,  1  Va.  C. 
J.  L.  Powers,  107  N.  Y. 

D.  B.  Pettijobn,  2  U.  S. 
G.  H.  Potts,  75  0. 

C.  P.  Potts,  151  Pa. 

E.  Potter,  6  Mich. 

E.  L.  Palmer,  57  N.  Y. 
J.  S.  Paul,  122  0. 
Z.  R.  Pratber,  116  111. 
G.  Pentzel,  11  N.  Y. 
Jas.  Perley,  13  Mich. 
H.  Perleen,  2  0. 
J.  V.  Patterson,  1  0.  C. 
W.  N.  Paxton,  140  Pa. 
C.  Powell,  42  0. 


L.  D.  Phelps,  8  Pa.  C. 

C.  M.  Brutzman,  7  Wis, 
A.  E.  Patelin,  10  Wis. 

M.  B.  Pulliam,  11  Ky.  C. 

R.  H.  Pond,  12  U.  S. 

Wm.  P.  Pierce,  11  Ky.  C. 

S.  B.  Pettrie,  126  0. 

Wm.  Randall,  80  111. 

E.  W.  Pelton,  2  Md. 

Jno.  Ritchie,  3  0. 

J.  C.  Roney,  3  0. 

Wm.  Reynolds,  73  Ind. 

A.  C.  Roach,  51  IndT 

E.  Reynolds,  1  Tenn.  C. 

E.  Reed,  3  0. 

J.  M.  Rothrock,  5  Mo. 

J.  P.  Rockwell,  18  Conn. 

J.  Ruff,  67  Pa. 

J.  F.  Robinson,  67  Pa. 

W.  F.  Randolph,  5  U.  S.  A. 

John  Ryan,  69  Pa. 

W.  E.  Rockwell,  134  N.  Y. 

J.  H.  Russel,  12  Mass. 

J.  0.  Rockwell,  97  N.  Y. 

J.  A.  Ricbardson,  2  N.  Y.  C. 

N,  A.  Robinson,  4  Me. 

H.  E.  Rulon,  114  Pa. 

H.  Richardson,  19  Ind. 

J.  Remie,  11  Mass. 

Geo.  Ring,  100  0. 

D.  P.  Rennie,  73  0. 
T.  J.  Ray.  49  0. 

W.  L.  Retilley,  51  0. 
G.  W.  Robertson,  22  Mich. 
J.  M.  Rader,  8  Tenn. 
S.  H.  Reynolds,  42  0. 

E.  W.  Rubbs,  1  E.  T. 
G.  F.  Robinson,  80  0. 
L.  S.  Smith,  14  N.  Y. 

Jj.  J.  Shepherd,  5  Ky.  C, 
H.  Silver,  16  111.  C. 
G.  Scuttermore,  80  111. 
Th.  Segar,  80  111. 

D.  B.  Stevenson,  3  0. 

E.  E.  Sharp,  51  Ind. 


342 


APPENDIX. 


J.  G.  Spalding,  2  U.  S.  C. 
A.  Stole,  6  U.  S. 

D.  M.  V.  Stuart,  10  Mo. 
M.  H.  Smith,  123  0. 

T.  H.  Stewart,  5  Md. 
John  Sachs,  5  Md. 
Jno.  Sweadner,  5  Md. 
J.  F.  Shuyler,  123  0. 
C.  H.  Sowro,  123  0. 

E.  L.  Schroeder,  5  Md. 
G.  W.  Simpson,  67  Pa. 
A.  G.  Scranton,  18  Conn. 
J.  Smith,  67  Pa. 

C.  P.  Stroman,  87  Pa. 
A.  M.  Stark,  110  0. 
H.  L.  Sibley,  116  0. 
S.  Stearns,  4  Me. 

G.  L.  Snyder,  104  N.  Y. 
A.  W.  Sprague,  24  Mich. 
Geo.  Schuele,  45  N.  Y. 
H.  B.  Seeley,  86  N.  Y. 
W.  S.  Stevens,  104  N.  Y. 

E.  Schroeders,  74  Pa. 
G.  C.  Stevens,  154  N.  Y. 

D.  C.  Sears,  96  N.  Y. 
H.  Schroeder,  82  111. 
J.  B.  Samson,  12  Mass. 
Jno.  Sullivan,  7  R.  I. 
M.  R.  Small,  6  Md. 

E.  Shepard,  6  0.  C. 
J.  M.  Steele,  1  Va. 
C.  Smith,  4  N.  Y.  C. 
Jno.  Sterling,  3  Ind. 

F.  Spencer,  17  0. 

A.  W.  Songer,  21  111. 
Wm.  Stewart,  16  U.  S. 
W.  H.  Smith,  16  U.  S. 
J.  D.  Simpson,  10  Ind. 

F.  Schweinfurth,  24  111. 
A.  C.  Spafford,  21  0. 

E.  G.  Spalding,  22  Mich. 
E.  S.  Scott,  89  0. 
A.  C.  Shaeffer,  2  N  Y.  C. 
H.  C.  Smith,  2  Del. 
Jno.  Spindler,  73  111. 


G.  L.  Sollers,  9  Md.        * 
L.  L.  Stone,  Q.  M. 
R,  F.  Scott,  11  Ky.  C. 
J.  C.  Shaw,  7  0.  C. 
L.  W.  Sutherland,  126  0. 
T.  B.  String,  11  Ky.  C. 
Chas.  Sutler,  39  N.  Y. 
Jno.  H.  Stevens,  5  Me. 
Chas.  Trommel,  3  0. 
H.  H.  Tillotson,  73  Ind. 
A.  N.  Thomas,  73  Ind. 

D.  Turner,  118  111. 
Ira  Tyler,  118  111. 
M.  Tiffany,  18  Conn. 
H.  0.  Thayer,  67  Pa. 
A.  A.  Taylor,  122  Pa. 
R.  Tyler,  6  Md. 

R.  Thompson,  67  Pa. 
L.  Thompson,  2  U.  S.  C. 
M.  Tower,  13  Mass. 

E.  A.  Tuthill,  104  N.  Y. 
J.  R.  Titus,  3  U.  S.  C. 
H.  Temple,  2  N.  Y.  C. 

E.  M.  B.  Timoney,  15  U.  S. 

G.  W.  Thomas,  10  Wis. 

H.  C.  Taylor,  21  Wis. 

A.  J.  Tuter,  2  0. 

R.  F.  Thorn,  5  Ky.  C. 

S.  H.  Tresoutheck,  18  Pa.  C 

J.  Turner,  Q.  M. 

H.  Taylor,  65  Ind. 

A.  J.  W.  Ullen,  3  0. 

T.  R.  Uptigrove,  73  Ind. 

M.  Undutch,  9  Md. 

G.  A.  Vanness,  73  Ind. 

Geo.  Veltford,  54  N.  Y. 

R.  N.  Vannetter,  1  Mich.  C. 

D.  Vansbury,  4  Md.  B. 

D.  L.  Wright,  51  Ind. 

A.  H.  Wonder,  51  Ind. 

Wm.  Willis,  51  Ind. 

I.  D.  Whiting,  3  0. 

A.  K.  Wolbach,  3  0. 

J.  C.  Woodrow,  73  Ind. 

C.  P.  Williams,  73  Ind. 


APPENDIX, 


343 


E.  P.  Wallace,  120  0. 
Thos.  Worthen,  118  111. 
L.  Weiser,  1  Md.  C. 
Wm.  A   Williams,  123  0. 
J.  W.  Wooth,  5  Md. 
J.  B.  Wilson,  5  Md. 
J.  E.  Woodard,  18  Conn. 
P.  A.  White,  83  Pa. 
.E.  J.  Weeks,  67  Pa. 
T.  J.  Weakley,  110  0. 
W.  H.  Welsh,  78  Pa. 
A.  Wallber,  26  >  Wis. 
A.  H.  White,  27  Pa. 
D.  Whiston,  13  Mass. 
T.  Wuschow,  54  N.  Y. 
M.  Wadsworth,  16  Me. 
J.  N.  Whitney,  2  R.  I.  C. 
M.  F.  Williams,  15  Ky. 
M.  Wilson,  14  Pa.  C. 
J.  Woods,  82  Ind. 


C.  N.  Winner,  1  0. 
W.  L.  Watson,  21  Wis. 
Wm.  Willots,  22  Mich. 
J.  Weatherbee,  51  0. 
J.  M.  Wasson,  40  0. 
Jas.  Wells,  8  Mich.  C. 
H.  Willson,  18  Pa.  C. 
J.  R,  Weaver,  18  Pa.  C. 
W.  H.  H.  Wilcox,  10  N.  Y. 
A.  B.  White,  4  Pa.  C. 
C.  F.  Weston,  21  Wis. 
W.  F.  Wheeler,  9  Md. 
N.  L.  Wood,  Jr.,  9  Md. 
E.  Willhort,  2  E.  Tenn. 
J.  W.  Wilshire,  45  0. 
J.  W.  Wright,  10  la. 
Hyde  Crocker,  1  N.  Y.  C. 
J.  B.  Williamson,  14  W.  Va. 
C.  H.  Yates,  96  111. 
Sam.  Leith,  132  N.  Y. 


NAVAL  OFFICERS. 


W.  E.  H.   Fintress,  A.  V.  Lt. 
Edw.  L.  Hanies,  Act.  M. 
.T.  F.  D.  Robinson,  Act.  M. 
£.  H.  Sears,  Ast.  P.  M. 
Robt.  M.  Clark,  Act.  Ensg. 
Simon  Strunk,  Act.  Ensg. 
E.  W.  Dayton,  Act.  Ensg. 
Thos.  Brown,  Act.  M.  M. 
Wm.  H.  Fogg,  Act.  M.  M. 
Chas.  H.  Stewart,  Act.  M.  M. 


Dan'l  Ward,  Act.  M.  M. 
B.  Johnson,  2  Act.  Eng. 
Jas.  McCaulley,  2  Act.  Eng. 
Jno.  B.  Dick,  2  Act.  Eng. 
A.  D.  Renshaw,  3  Act.  Eng. 
Jno.  Mee,  3  Act.  Eng. 
Ch.  McCormick,  3  Act.  Eng.  * 
Sam.  B.  Ellis,  3  Act.  Eng. 
Henry  K.  Stever,  3  Act.  Eng 
E.  J.  Robinson,  Pilot. 


344  APPENDIX. 

ADDITIONAL  LIST  OF  PRISONERS. 


The  following  is  an  additional  list  of  officers  captured 
during  the  spring,  summer,  autumn  and  winter  of  1864, 
after  the  removal  of  the  old  prisoners  from  Richmond 
on  the  7th  of  May.  They  were  imprisoned  at  Macon, 
Savannah,  Charleston,  Columbia,  Charlotte,  Raleigh  and 
Groldsborough. 

COLONELS.* 

J.  H.  Ashworth,  1  Ga.  U.  V.  Pennock,  Huey,  8  Pa.  C. 

T.  H.  Butler,  5  Ind.  C.  F.  C.  Miller,  147  N.  Y. 

S.  J.  Crooks,  22  N.  Y.  C.  W.  Shedd,  13  111. 

J.  Frasier,  140  Pa.  Daniel  White,  31  Me. 

LIEUTENANT  COLONELS. 

M.  P.  Buffum,  4  I.  R.  Benj.  B.  Morgan,  75  0. 

J.  B.  Conyngham,  52  Pa.  H.  R.  Stoughton,  2  U.  S.  S.  S. 

C.  W.  Clancy,  52  0.  A.  H.  Sanders,  16  Iowa. 

M.  A.  Leeds,  153  0.  T.  J.  Thorp,  1  N.  Y.  Drag. 

C.  C.  Matson,  6  Ind.  C.  G.  Von  Helmriek,  4  Mo.  C. 

D.  B.  McCreary,  145  Pa.  G.  Wallace,  47  0. 
'  0.  Moulton,  25  Mass. 

MAJORS. 

J.  H.  Dewees,  13  Pa.  C.  J.  H.  Isett,  8  Ind.  C. 

M.  Dunn,  19  Mass.  C.  M.  Lynch,  145  Pa. 

W.  N.  Denny,  51  Ind.  P.  McLernan,  22  N.  Y,  C. 

D.  English,  11  Ky.  C.  C.  P.  Mattock,  17  Me. 

C.  K.  Fleming,  11  Vt.  P.  Nelson,  66  N.  Y. 

G.  B.  Fox,  75  0.  J.  E.  Pratt,  4  Vt. 

W.  H.  Forbes,  2  Mass.  C.  W.  L.  Parsons,  2  Wis. 

J.  H.  Filer,  55  Pa.  D.  Quigg.  14  111.  C. 

T.  J.  Hasley,  11  N.  Y.  W.  H.  Reynolds,  14  N.  Y.  A 

W.  P.  Hall,  6  N.  Y.  C,  J.  Steele,  2  Pa.  C. 

*  This  .ist  does  not  include  those  officers  who  were  specially  exchanged 
while  at  Charleston, 


APPENDIX. 


345 


E.  H.  Smith,  2  Pa.  C.  D.  Thomas,  135  0. 

L.  B.  Speece,  7  Pa.  V.  R.  Cps.    D.  Vickers,  4  N.  J. 
T.  A.  Smith,  7  Tenn.  C. 
M.  H.  Soper,  5  Ind.  C. 


G.  G.  Wanzer.  24  N.  Y.  C. 
J.  W.  Young,  76  N.  Y. 


CAPTAINS. 


J.  B.  Alters,  75  0. 
W.  N.  Algbaugh,  51  Pa. 
H.  B.  Andrews,  17  Mich. 
John  Aigan,  5  R.  I.  Art. 
M.  Auer,  15  N.  Y.  C. 
C.  D.  Arnory,  A.  A.  Gen. 
James  Belger,  1  H.  I.  Art. 
C.  H.  Burdick,  1  Tenn.  C. 
G.  Bradley,  2  N.  J. 
C.  W.  Boutin,  4  Vt, 
C.  D.  Bowen,  18  Conn. 
B.  Bennett,  22  N.  Y.  C. 
N.  Bostwick,  20  0. 
J.  F.  Benson,  120  111. 

B.  C.  Beebee,  13  Ind. 

A.  N.  Benson,  1  D.  C.  C. 

E.  A.  Burpee,  19  Me. 

J.  W.  Bryant,  5  N.  Y.  C. 

H.  Biebel,  6  Conn. 

J.  A.  Barrett,  7  Pa.  R.  C. 

G.  A.  Bayard,  148  Pa. 

Geo.  A.  Blanchard,  85  111. 

S   Bremen,  3  Mich. 

A.  T.  Bliss,  ION.  Y.  C. 

H.  D.  Baker,  120  111. 

W.  F.  Bennett,  39  Iowa. 

J.  H.  Brown,  17  Iowa. 

S.  D.  Barnum,  23  U.  S.  C.  T. 

W.  F.  Baker,  87  Pa. 

H.  H.  Burbank,  32  Me. 

0.  E.  Bartlett,  31  Me. 

J.  T.  Chalfant,  11  Pa. 

C.  H.  Call,  29  111. 

J.  D.  Clyde,  76  N.  Y. 
C.  R.  Chauncy,  34  Mass. 
A.  F.  Cole,  59  N.  Y. 
J.  P.  Carr,  93  Ind. 
H.  P.  Cooke,  A.  A.  Gen. 
T.  B.  Camp,  52  Pa. 


L,  S.  Clark,  62  N.  Y. 
H.  C.  Chapin,  4  Vt. 

F.  S.  Case,  2  0.  C. 

T.  Coglin,  14  N.  Y.  IT.  Art. 
J.  W.  Colville,  5  Mich. 
L.  M.  Carperts,  18  Wis. 
E.  N.  Carpenter,  6  Pa.  C. 
M.  W.  Clark,  11  Iowa  C. 
E.  S.  Daniels,  35  U.  S.  C.  T 
C.  C.  Dodga,  20  Mich. 
0.  J.  Downing,  2  N.  Y.  C. 
J.  G.  Devrickson,  66  N.  Y 
J.  B.  Dennis,  7  Conn. 
T.  F.  Davenport,  75  0. 

C.  L.  Dirlan,  12  0. 
W.  Dusbrow,  40  N.  Y. 

A.  Duzenburgh,  35  N.  Y. 
E.  B.  Doane,  8  Iowa  C. 
W.  H.  Davis,  4  Md. 

G.  B.  Donohey,  7  Pa.  Res. 
L.  B.  Davis,  93  Ind. 

E   C.  Dicey,  1  Mich.  S.  S. 
J.  B.  Dibelcr,  45  Pa. 
S.  S.  Elder,  1  U.  S.  Art. 

B.  W.  Evans,  4  0.  C. 
M.  Eagan,  15  W.  Va. 
N.  C.  Evans,  184  Pa. 
W.  W.  Farr,  106  Pa. 

E.  W.  Ford,  9  Minnesota. 

F.  W.  Funk,  39  N.  Y. 
W.  M.  Fisk,  73  N.  Y. 

J.  L.  Francis,  135  Ohio. 

D.  Flamsburg,  4  Ind.  Battery. 
J.  Fiedler,  Eng.  R.  C.  U.  S.  A. 
J.  P.  Fall,  32  Me. 

W.  W.  Fay,  56  Mass. 
J.  B.  Gillespie,  120111. 

E.  C.  Gilbert,  152  N.  Y. 
A.  W.  H.  Gill,  14  N.  Y 


346 


APPENDIX. 


E.  Grant,  9  U.  C. 

E.  H.  Green,  107  Pa. 

A.  Grant,  19  Wis. 

A.  L.  Goodrich,  8  N.  Y.  C. 

J.  L.  Galloway,  A.  A.  G. 

J.  L.  Green,  A.  A.  G.  U.  S.  A. 

C.  Gutjahr,  16  111. 

P.  Gray  ham,  54  Pa. 

H,  B.  Huff,  184  Pa. 

W.  R.  Hitt,  113  111.  C. 

W.   Harris,  24  Mo.  C. 

C.  A.  Hobbie,  17  Conn.  C. 
T.  A.  Heer,  28  0. 

G.  D.  Hart,  5  Pa.  C. 
H.  B.  Hoy  t,.  40  N.  Y.  C. 

D.  J.  Hume,  19  Mass. 

R.  C.  Hutchison,  8  Mich. 

C.  W.  Hastings,  12  Mass. 

E.  Hayes,  95  N.  Y. 
M   C.  Hobart,  7  Wis, 
J.  A..  Hay  den,  11 

W    L.  Hodge,  120  111. 
H  A.  Haines,  184  Pa. 
J.  B.  Heltemus,  18  Ky. 
S,  Hymer,  115111. 
P.  Hienrod,  105  Ohio. 

F.  W.  Heck,  2  Md. 
T.  H.  Hill,  2  Md. 

A.  J.  Holmes,  37  Wis. 
L.-  Ingledew,  7  Mich. 

B.  A.  Jobe,  11  Pa.  R.  V.  C, 

D.  Jones,  14  N.  Y.  Art. 
S.  C.  Judson,  106  N.  Y. 
H.  Jenkins,  40  Mass. 

C.  G.  Jackson,  84  Pa. 
J.  D.  Johnson,  10  N.  J. 
J.  G.  Kessler,  2  Ind.  C. 

G.  E.   King,  103  111. 

P.  D.  Kenyon,  15  111.  Bat. 

F.  Kenfield,  17  Vt. 
W.  S.  Logan,  7  Mich. 
J.  S.  Little,  143  Pa. 
C.  W.  Lyttle,  145  Pa. 

G.  Law,  6  W.  Va.  C. 

E.  C.  Latimer,  27  U.  J3.  C.  T. 


W.  W.  McCarty,  18  Ohio. 

J.  W.  Morton,  4  Mass.  C. 

J.  McHugh,  69  Pa. 

W.  M.  McFadden,  59  N.  Y. 

H,  McCray,  115  Pa, 

J.  May,  15  Mass.  Art. 

N.  H.  Moore,  7  N.  Y.  Art. 

S.  F.  Murray,  2  U.  S.  S,  S. 

L   Marsh,  87  Pa. 

A.  C.  Mattison,  12  N.  J. 

J.  Metzger,  55  Pa. 

Le  Roy  Moore,  72 

S.  M.  Morgan,  A.  A.  Gen. 

M.  McGraylis,  93  Ind. 

H.  P.  Merrill,  4  Ky. 

H.  J.  McDonald,  11  Conn 

M.  Melkorn,  135  Ohio. 

J.  A.  Manley,  64  N.  Y. 

A.  G.  Mudgett,  11  Me. 

B.  J.  McNitt,  1  Pa.  C. 
—  Mclntyre,  15  Wis. 
L.  Moore,  72  Ohio. 

R.  J.  Millard,  2  Pa.  Art. 
J.  H.  Nutting,  27  Mass. 
L.  Nolan,  2  Del. 

C.  H.  Nichols,  6  Conn. 
•E.  E.  Norton,  24  Mich. 
W.  II.  Nash,  1  U.  S.  S.  S. 
E.  Newson,  81  111. 

A.  Nuhfer,  72  Ohio. 

C.  Newliu.  7  Pa.  C. 

*J.  Norris,  2  Pa.  Art. 

C.  S.  Noyse,  31  Me. 
H.  W.  Ogan,  14  Ohio. 

H.  V.  Pemberton,  14  N.  Y.  A. 

J.  Parker,  1  N.  J. 

J.  P.  Powell,  146  N.  Y. 

L.  B.  Paine,  121  N.  Y 

J.  T.  Piggott,  Jr.,  8  Pa.  C. 

W.  B.  Plase,  87  U.  S. 

D.  H.  Powers,  6  Mich.  C. 
A.  C.  Paul,  A.  A.  Gen. 
G.  Pettit,  120  N.  Y. 

D.  B.  Pendleton,  5  Mich.  C. 
D.  M.  Porter,  120  111. 


APPENDIX. 


847 


S.  C.  Pierce,  3  N.  Y.  C. 

B.  B.  Porter,  10  N.  Y.  Art 
J.  A.  Paine,  2  Ind.  C. 

T.  Ping,  17  Iowa. 
J.  Rourke,  1  111.  Art. 
H.  Hitter,  52  N.  Y. 
W.  J.  Reynolds,  75  Ohio. 
A.  C.  Rosencranz,  4  Ind.  C. 
—  Reed,  107  N.  Y. 
R.  C.  Richards,  45  Pa. 
W.  J   Reynolds,  4  R.  I. 
Geo.  W.  Reir,  107  N.  Y. 

C.  Robinson,  31  U.  S.  C.  T. 
J.  Snyder,  14  N.  Y. 

G.  F.  C.  Smart,  145  Pa. 
H.  J- Smith,  53  Pa. 

D.  Schooley,  2  Pa.  Art. 
H.  W.  Strang,  30  111. 
J.  H.  Smith,  16  Iowa 
A.  S.  Skilton,  57  Ohio. 

W.  Shittz,  37  Ohio. 
A.  B.  Smith,  48  111. 
R.  R.  Swift,  27  Mass. 
S.'  A.  Spencer,  82  Ind. 
J.  R.  Stevens,  40  N.  Y. 

E.  J.  Swan,  76  N.  Y. 

E.  Schofield,  11  Pa.  V.  R.  C. 

C.  B.  Sutcher,  16  111. 

E.  Shurtz,  8  Iowa  C. 

M.  L.  Stansbury,  95  Ohio. 

J.  G.  Snodgrass,  110  Ohio. 

H.  R.  Sargent,  32  Me. 

S.  U.  Sherman,  4  R.  I. 


R.  T.  Stewart,  138  Pa. 

D.  W4.  Scott,  23  U.  S,C.  T. 
L.  D.  C.  Tyler,  106  Pa. 

S.  C.  Timpson,  95  N.  Y. 
H.  Tilbrand,  4  N.  H. 
J.  H.  Turner,  16  Iowa. 
H.  G.  Tibbies,  12  Ohio. 
J.  Thomson,  4  Ohio  C. 

C.  L.  Unthank,  11  Ky.  C. 
H.  A.  Ulffar,  A.  A.  Gen. 
J,  Wnderwood,  57  Ohio. 

A.  Von  Keiser,  30  N.  Y.  Bat. 
Z.  Vaughn,  I  Me.  C. 
A.  Von  Haack,  68  N.  Y. 
J.  H.  West,  11  Ky. 

E.  F.  Wyman,  

W.  Washburn,  35  Mass. 

A.  R.  Willis,  8  Me. 

U.  S.  Westbrook,  135  Ohio. 

B.  F.  Wright,  146  N.  Y. 

W.  M.  Wilson,  Jr.,  122  Ohio. 

H.  B.  Wakefield,  55  Ind. 

G.  W.  Webb,  2  Pa.  Art. 

J.  Wilson,  57  Ohio. 

R.  Williams,  12  Ohio. 

M.  Wiley,  1  Tenn. 

E.  B.  Whittaker,  72  Pa. 

R.  J.  Wright,  6  Ohio, 

H.  H.  Walpole,  122  N.  Y. 

M.  W.  Wall,  69  N.  Y. 

D.  G.  Young,  81  111. 

E.  K.  Zarracher,  18  Pa.  C. 


LIEUTENANTS. 


J.  G.  B.  Adams,  19  Mass. 
E.  P.  Alexander,  26  Mich. 
H.  M.  Anderson,  3  Me. 
J.  F.  Anderson,  2  Pa.  Art. 
A.  L.  Abbey,  8  Mich.  C. 
A.  O.  Abbott,  1  N.  Y.  Drag. 
A.  S.  Appleget,  2  N.  J.  C. 
Robert  Allen,  2  N.  J.  Drag. 
G.  A.  Auslin,  14  111.  Bat. 
G.  C.  Alden,  112  111. 


W.  C.  Adams,  2  Ky.  C. 
E.  T.  Affleck,  170  0.  Nat.  G. 
E.  A.  Abbott,  23  0.  Vet.  Vol 
Count  S.  Braiday,  2  N.  J.  C. 
A.  Bulow,  3  N.  J.  <T. 
J.  H.  Bryan,  184  Pa. 
C.  W.  Baldwin,  2  N.  J. 
H.  E.  Barker,  22  N.  Y.  C. 
C.  H.  Bigley,  82  N.  Y. 
M.  Burns,  13  N.  Y.  C 


348 


APPENDIX. 


C.  A.  Brown,  1  N.  Y.  Art. 
W.  R.  Bospord,  1  N.  Y. 

J.  L.  Barton,  49  Pa.  * 
W.  Buchanan,  76  N.  Y. 
W.  Blane,  43  N.  Y. 
J.  H.  Bristol,  1  Conn.  C. 
H.  H.  Bixby,  9  Me. 

D.  W.  Burkholder,  7  Pa.  V. 
S.  Brum,  81  111. 

W.  H.  Brady,  2  Del. 

J.  Breon,  148  Pa. 

G.  N.  Burnett,  4  Ind.  C. 

W.  J.  Boyd,  5  Mich.  C.* 

S.  W.  Burrows,  1  N. Y.  Vet.  C. 

M.  Brickenhoff,  42  N.  Y. 

H.  Buckley,  4  N.  H.  Vol. 

A.  T.  Barnes,  111.  Vet.  Batt. 

J.  L.  Beasley,  81  111. 

A.  Barringer,  44  N.  Y. 

F.  P.  Bisbop,  4  Tenn.  C. 

C.  T.  Bowen,  4  R,  I. 

Wm.  Bateman,  9  Mich.  C. 

Wm.  Baird,  23  U.  S.  C.  T. 

J.  N.  Biller,  2  Pa.  Art. 

F.  S.  Bowley,  30  U.  S.  C.  T. 

C.  Boettger,  2  Md. 

W.  A.  Barnard,  20  Midi. 

Wm.  Blasse,  43  N.  Y.      . 

C.  0.  Brown,  31  Me. 

R.  K.  Beecham,  23  U.  S.  0.  T. 

A.  M.  Briscol,  Cole's  Md.  C. 

H.  M.  Bearce,  32  Me. 

A.  J.  Braidy,  54  Pa. 

C.  A.  Bell,  A.  D.  C. 

R.  Burton,  9  N.  Y.  Art. 

H.  E.  Beebee,  22  N.  Y.  C. 

V.  L.  Coffin,  31  Me. 

L.  A.  Campbell,  152  N.  Y. 

C.  W.  Carr,  4  Vt. 

J.  Cunningham,  7  Pa.  R.  C. 

C.  Coslett,  115  Pa. 

R.  Cooper,  7  N.  J. 

C.  H.  Crawford,  183  Pa. 

S.  0.  Cromack,  77  N.  Y. 

II.  Correll,  2  Vt. 


C.  IT.  Cutter,  95  111 

G.  W.  Creacy,  35  Mass. 
R.  H.  Chute,  59  Mass. 
H.  M.  Cross,  59  Mass. 
H.  A.  Chapin,  95  N.  Y. 
W.  Chahill,  76  N.  Y. 
J.  L.  Casler,  76  N.  Y. 
H.  Chisman,  7  Ind. 
H.  Cribben,  140  N.  Y. 
G.  M.  Curtis,  140  N.  Y. 
J.  S.  Calwell,  16  111.  C. 
S.  Crossley,  118  Pa. 
L.  B.  Carlisle,  145  Pa. 
J.  P.  Codington,  8  Iowa  C. 
W.  H.  Curtis,  19  Mass. 
J.  AV.  Clark,  59  N.  Y.  - 
J.  H.  Clark,  1  Mass.  Art. 

D.  L.  Case,  Jr.,  102  N.  Y. 
J.  D.  Cope,  116  Pa. 

J.  W.  Core,  6  W.  Va.  C. 
W.  J.  Colter,  15  Mass. 
J.  Casey,  45  N.  Y. 
W.  II .  Carter,  5  Pa.  R.  C. 
J.  L.  Chittenden,  5  Ind.  C. 
W.  H.  Canney,  69  N.  Y. 
W.  F.  Campbell,  51  Pa. 
J.  F.  Cameron,  5  Pa.  C. 
M.  Clegg,  5  Ind.  C. 
H.  R.  Chase,  1  Vt.  H.  Art. 
W.  H.  Conover,  22  N.  Y.  C. 
D.  F.  Califf,  2  W.  S.  S.  S 
D.  B.  Chubbuck,  19  Mass. 
M.  Cunningham,  42  N.  Y. 
A.  M.  Charters,  17  Iowa. 
W.  A.  Copeland,  10  Mich. 
T.  demons,  13  111. 
W.  C.  Cook,  9  Mich.  C. 

C.  P.  Cramer,  21  N.  Y.  C. 
Geo.  Corum,  2  Ky.  C. 

M.  B.  Case,  23  U.  S.  C.  T. 

D.  J.  Cline,  75  0.  V.  M.  I. 
C.  G.  Conn,  1  M.  S.  S. 

M.   Cunningham,  1  Vt.  H.  A, 
C.  D.  Copeland,  58  Pa. 
C.  P.  Cashell,  12  Pa  C. 


APPENDIX. 


349 


J.  R.  Charnel,  1  111.  Art. 

W.  S.  Damrell,  13  Mass. 

W.  G.  Davis,  27  Mass. 

S.  V.  Dean,  145  Pa. 

J.  S.  Drennan,  1  Vt.  Art. 

J.  Dunn,  64  N.  Y. 

A.  J.  Dunning,  7  N.  Y.  Art. 

J.  Donovan,  2  N.  J. 

E.  B.  Dyre,  1  Conn.  C. 

W.  C.  Dorris,  111  111. 

H.  G.  Dodge,  2  Pa.  C. 

C.  Downs,  33  N.  J. 
J.  Duven,  5  N.  H. 
W.  H.  Dorfee,  5  R.  I. 
G.  Dorbine,  66  N.  Y. 

W.  H.  Dieffenbach,  7  Pa.  Res. 
R.  De  Lay,  3  Iowa  C. 
0.  W.  Demmick,  UN.  H. 
L.  Dick,  72  0. 

E.  Dickerson,  44  Wis. 

D.  Driscoll,  24  Mo. 

H.  G.  Dorr,  4  Mass.  C. 

J.  M.  Drake,  9  N.  J. 

H.  A.  Downing,  31  U.  S.  C.  T. 

J.  W.  Davison,  95  O. 

G.  H.  Drew,  9  N.  H. 

Chas.  Everrett,  70  Ohio. 

F.  R.  Eastman,  2  Pa.  C. 
J.  L.  F.  Elkin,  1  N.  J. 
T.  E.  Evans,  52  Pa. 

J.  W.  Eyestone,  13  Ind. 
T.  K.  Eckings,  3  N.  J. 
John  Eagan,  1  U.  S.  A. 
John  Elder,  8  Ind. 
J.  Fairbanks,  72  Ohio. 

G.  E.  Finney,  19  In4. 
J.  M.  Ferris,  3  Mich. 

E.  M.  Faye,  42  N.  Y. 
J.  Furgeson,  1  N.  J. 
D.  Flannery,  4  N.  J. 
H.  M.  Fowler,  15  N.  J. 

G.  W.  Flager,  11  Pa.  R.  C. 
C.  A.  Fagan,  11  Pa.  R.  C. 
H.  French,  3  Vt. 
L.  W.  Fisher,  4  Vt. 

30 


S.  Fatzer,  108  N.  Y. 
E.  Fontainer  7  Pa.  R.  C. 
D.  Forney,  30  0. 
S.  Fisher,  93  Ind. 

D.  S.  Finney,  14  and  15  111.  V. 
L.  Pitzpatrick,  146  N.  Y. 

L,  D.  C.  Fales, 

H.  C.  Foster,  23  Ind. 
John  Foley,  59  Mass. 
Louis  Faass,  14  N.  Y.  Art. 
R.  J.  Frost,  9  Mich.  C. 
G.  J.  George,  40  111. 
T.  M.  Gunn,  21  Ky. 
J.  Gottshell,  55  Pa. 
J.  M,  Godown,  12  Ind. 
H.  D.  Grant,  117  N.  Y. 
J.  A.  Goodwin,  1  Mass.  C. 
C.  V.  Granger,  88  N.  Y. 
C.  0.  Gordon,  1  Me.  C. 
J.  W.  Goss,  1  Mass.  Art. 
H.  M.  Gordon,  143  Pa. 
J.  Gallagher,  4  Ohio  Vet. 

E.  A.  Green,  81  111. 

T.  Griffen,  55  U.  S.  C.  T. 
M.  L.  Godley,  17  Iowa. 
Philip  Grey,  72  Pa. 
A.  M.  Hall,  9  Minn. 
E.  R.  Hart,  1  Vt.  Art 
J.  F.  Hodge,  55  Pa. 
R.  F.  Hall,  75  Ohio. 
J.  T.  Haight,  8  Iowa  C. 
G.  W.  Hill,  7  Mich.  C. 
E.  J   Hazel,  6  Pa.  C. 
R.  Herbert,  50  Pa, 
S.  H.  Horton,  101  Pa. 
W.  B.  Kurd,  17  Mich.  C. 
E.  Holden,  1  Vt.  C. 
S.  P.  Hedges,  112  N.Y.  C. 
H.  C.  Hinds,  102  N.  Y. 
J.  Hopper,  2  N.  Y.  C. 

C.  O.  Hunt,  5  Me.  Bat. 
W.  R.  Hulland,  5  Md.  C. 
G.  W.  Hull,  135  Ohio. 

D.  W.  Hazclton,  22  N.  Y.  C. 
C.  P.  Holaham,  19  Pa.  C, 


350 


APPENDIX. 


H.  N.  Hamilton,  59  N.  Y. 

E.  S.  Huntington,  11  U.  S. 
W.  H.  Hoyt,  16  Iowa. 

R.  M.  Hughes,  14  111.  C. 

J.  Hewitt,  105  Pa. 

J.  Heston,  4  N.  J. 

J.  Heffelfinger,  7  Pa.  R.  V. 

J.  L.  Harvey,  2  Pa.  Art. 

H.  V.  Hadley,  7  Ind. 

M.  V.  B.  Hallett,  2  Pa.  C. 

A.  J.  Henry,  120  111. 

V.  G.  Hoalladay,  2  Ind.  C. 

D.  Havens,  85  111. 
C.  A.  Hays,  11  Pa. 

J.  L.  Hastings,  7  Pa.  R.  V.C. 
J.  W,  Harris,  2  Ind.  C. 

F.  Herzbery,  66  N.  Y. 
J.  T.  Haight,  8  Iowa  C. 

E.  H.  Higley,  1  Vt.  C. 

W.  H.  Hendryks,  11  Mich.  B. 

J.  Huston,  95  Ohio. 

R.  Henderson,  1  Mass.  Art. 

A.  N.  Ilackett,  110  0. 

S.  P.  Hand,  43  U.  S.  C.  T. 

T.  B.  Hurst,  7  Pa.  Res.  V.  C. 

Geo.  Hopf,  2  Md. 

0.  M.  Hill,  1  Mo.  Art. 

J.  B.  Hogue,  4  Pa.  C. 

L.  E.  Haywood,  58  Mass. 

A.  B.  Isham,  7  Mich.  C. 

H.  A.  Johnson,  3  Me. 

C.  K.  Johnson,  1  Me.  C. 

G.  W.  Jenkins,  9  W.  Va. 

J.  C.  Justus,  2  Pa.  R.  V.  C, 
S.  E.  Jones,  7  N.  Y.  Art, 
J.  W.  Johnson,  1  Mass.  Art, 
Alfred  Jones,  50  Pa.  Vet. 
J.  Jacks,  15  W.  Va. 
P.  Krohn,  5  N.  Y.  C. 
E.  Kendrick,  10  N.  J. 
S.  C.  Kerr,  126  Ohio. 
H.  T.  Kendall,  50  Pa. 
A.  Kelly,  126  Ohio. 
J.  Keen,  7  Pa.  V.  R.  C. 
J  D.  Kennuly,  8  Ohio  C. 


J.  F.  Kemp!  on,  75  Ohio. 
J.  H.  Kidd,  1  Md.  Art. 
R.  H.  Kendrick,  25  Wis. 
G.  C.  Kenyon,  17  111. 
G.  C.  Kidder,  113  Pa. 
G.  Knox,  109  Pa. 
J.  M.  Kelly,  4  Tenn. 

F.  H.  Kempt  on,  58  Mass.  Art. 
J:  R.  Kelly,  1  Pa.  C. 

J.  C.  Knox,  4  Ind.  C. » 
Abe  King,  12  Ohio. 
J.  Kepheart,  13  Ohio. 
J.  Kellow,  2  Pa.  Art. 

G.  L.  Kibby,  4  R.  I. 

C.  E.  Lewis,  1  N.  Y.  Drag. 
J.  B.  Laycock,  7  Pa.  R.  V.  C. 
H.   H.  Lyman,  147  N.  Y. 

W.  H.  Larrabee,  7  Me. 
A.  Lee,  152  N.  Y. 
J.  L.  Lynn,  145  Pa. 

E.  De  C.  Loud,  2  Pa.  Art. 
M.  S.  Ludwig,  53  Pa. 

D.  W.  Levvry,  2  Pa.  Art. 
J.  Lyman,  27  Mass. 

J.  0.  Laird,  35  U.  S. 

M.  Laird,  16  Iowa. 

J.  C.  Luther,  Pa.  V.  R.  C. 

M.  W.  Lemon,  14  N.  Y.  Art. 

L.  M.  Lane,  9  Minn. 

T.  D.  Lamson,  3  Ind.  C.  [Q.  M. 

A.  Limbard,  McLaughlin's  S. 

G.H.Lawrence,  2  N.Y.M.R. 

C.  H.  Lang,  59  Mass. 

J.  Monaghan,  62  Pa. 

J.  C.  Molntosh,  145  Pa. 

F.  W.  Mather,  7  N.  Y.  Art. 
P.  B.  Mockrie,  7  N.  Y.  Art. 

E.  T.  McCutcheon,  64  N.  Y. 
E.  J.  McWain,  1  N.  Y.  Art. 
J.  McKnge,  184  Pa. 

S.  F.  Muffley,184Pa. 
H.  F.  Ma,ngusr  53  Pa. 
J.  McLaughlin,  53  Pa. 
W.  A.  McGinnes,  19  Mass. 
A.  D.  Mathews,  1  Vt.  Art. 


APPENDIX. 


A.  Morse,  1  Yt.  Art. 

J.  H.  Morris,  4  Ky. 

W.  H.  Myers,  76  N.  Y. 

J.  McGeehan,  146  N.  Y.  A 

H.  W.  Mitchell,  14  N.  Y.  * 

J.  C.  McCain,  9  Minn. 

T.  McGuire,  7  111. 

J.  W.  Miller,  14  111.  C. 

J.  Murphy,  69  N.  Y. 

J.  Mallison,  94  N.  Y. 

J.  A.  Mullegan,  4  Mass.  C. 

W.  F.  Mathews,  1  Md. 

N.  J.  Menier,  93  Ind. 

H.  Miller-,  17  Mich. 

P.  W.  McMannus,  27  Mass. 

E.  McMahon,  72  Ohio. 

G.  C.  Morton,  4  Pa.  C. 

E.  Mather,  1  Vt.  C. 

C.  McDonald,  2  111.  Art. 
G.  W.  Mayer,  37  Ind. 
J.  McCormick,  21  N.  Y.  C. 
A.  J.  Marshland,  2  Pa.  Art. 
W.  H.  Mix,  19  U.  S.  C.  T. 
T.  J.  Hunger,  37  Wis. 
A.  McNure,  73  Pa. 
H.  G.  Mitchell,  32  Me. 
J.  D.  Marshall,  57  0. 
McLane,  9  Minn. 
C.  Niedenhoffen,  9  Minn. 
A.  Nelson,  66  N.  Y. 
J.  B.  Meedham,  4  Vt. 

C.  L.  Noggle,  2  U.  S. 
J.  Norwood,  76  N.  Y. 
0.  H.  Nealy,  11  U.  S. 

W.  McM.  Nettervill,  12  U.  S. 
W.  Neher,  7  Pa.  R.  V.  C. 
A.  Neal,  5  Ind.  C. 

D.  M.  Niswander,  2  Pa.  Art. 
H.  J.  Nyman,  19  Mich. 

W.  R.  Nulland,  5  Ind.  C. 
R.  V.  Outcolt,  135  0. 
J.  0.  Harre,  7  N.  Y.  Art. 

F.  Osborne,  19  Mass. 

D.  Oliphant,  35  N.  J, 

E.  0.  Shea,  13  Pa.  C. 


R.  O'Connell,  55  Pa. 

J.  Ogden,  1  Wis.  C. 

G.  C.  Olden,  112  111. 

A.  C.  Pickenpaugh,  6  W.  Va. 

H.  Picquet,  32  111. 

J.  T.  Parker,  13  Iowa. 

A.  Phinney,  90  111. 

W.  M.  Provine,  84  111. 

T.  Purcell,  16  Iowa. 

W.  H.  Powell,  2  111.  L.  Art. 

G.  M.  Parker,  45  111. 

J.  S.  Purveance,  130  Ind. 

D.  H.  Piffard,  14  N.  Y. 

C.  A.  Price,  5  Mich. 

E.  B.  Parker,  1  Vt.  Art, 
W.  H.  Patridge,  67  N.  Y. 
H.  H.  Pierce,  7  Conn. 

G.  W.  Pitt,  85  N.  Y.  Vet. 
L.  S.  Peake,  85  N.  Y.  Vet. 
E.  C.  Pierson,  85  N.  Y.  Vet. 

D.  Pentzell,  4  N.  Y.  C. 
J.  G.  Peetrey,  95  Ohio. 
M.  P.  Pierson,  100  N.  Y. 
A.  L.  Preston,  8  Mich.  C. 
G.  Peters,  9  N.  J. 

J.  H.  Pitt,  118  N.  Y. 

James  Post,  149 . 

W.  D.  Peck,  2  N  J.  C. 
G.  W.  Paterson,  135  Ohio. 
J.  C.  Price,  75  Ohio. 
Z.  Perrin,  72  Ohio. 
S.  H.  Platt,  34  Mass. 
L.  G.  Porter,  81  111. 
J.  H.  Palmer,  12  Ohio. 
W.  A.  Pope,  18  Wis. 
D.  B.  Pyne,  3  Mo. 
Worthington  Pierce,  17  Vt 
W.  B.  Phillips,  2  Pa.  Art. 
C.  0.  Poindexter,  31  Me. 
A.  P.  Pierson,  9  Mich.  C. 
Chas.  A.  Price,  S.Mich. 
M.  Rees,  72  Ohio. 
W.  B.  Rose,  73  111. 
J.  M.  Ruger,  57  Pa. 
L.  S.  Richards,  1  Vt.  Art 


352 


APPENDIX. 


J.  R.  Borsnels,  145  Pa. 
G.  Rieneekar,  5  Pa.  C. 
0.  Rahu,  184  Pa. 
G.  A.  Rowley,  2  U.  S. 

B.  E.  Robinson,  95  0. 
W.  E.  Roach,  49  N.  Y. 

H.  W.  Raymond,  8  N.  Y.  Art. 

J.  E.  Rose,  120  111. 

E.  R.  Roberts,  7  111. 

J.  H.  Reed,  120  111. 

J.  M.  Richards,  1  W.  Va. 

H.  Rothe,  15  N.  Y.  Art. 

E.  K.  Ramsey,  1  N.  J. 

L.  H.   Riley,'  7  Pa.  R.  V.  a 

C.  H.  Ross,  13  Ind. 
A.  Ring,  12  Ohio. 

T.  Rathbone,  153  Ohio. 

C.  L.  Rugg,  6  Ind.  C. 

J.  S.  Rice,  13  Ind. 

J.  Reade,  57  Mass 

A.  J.  Raynor,  19  U.  S.  C.  T. 

L.  Rainer,  2  N.  J.  C. 

J.  S.  Robeson,  7  Tenn.  C. 

W.  L.  Riley,  21  N.  Y.  C. 

W.  H.  Randall,  1  Mich.  S.  S. 

W.  B.  Sturgeon,  107  Pa. 

M.  H.  Stover,  184  Pa. 

A.  A.  Swectland,  2  Pa.  C. 

E.  B.  Smith,  1  Vt.  Art. 

C.  Schurr,  7  N.  Y.  Art. 

W.  H.  Shafer,  5  Pa.  C. 

M.  G.  Sargeant.  I  Vt.  Art. 

C.  H.  Stallman,  87  Pa.  Art, 

S.  S.  Smythe,  1  111.  Art. 

Geo.  Scott,  10  Ind. 

E.  Swift,  74  111. 

J.  L.  Skinner,  27  Mass. 

F.  Stevens,  190  Pa. 
C.  Stuart,  24  N.  Y. 
M.  Shanan,  140  N.  Y. 
M.  S.  Smith,  16  Me. 

E.  Snowwhite,  7  Pa.  V.  R.  C. 
W.  H.  S.  Sweet,  146  N.  Y 
J.  R.  Sitler,  2  Pa.  C. 
A.  L.  Shannon,  3  Ind.  C. 


A.  M,  Smith,  1  Tenn.  C. 
J.  C.  Smith,  24  Ind.  Bat, 
J.  B.  Smith,  5  W.  Va.  C. 
W.  Sandon,  1  Wis.  C. 
J.  P.  Smith,  49  Pa. 
J.  G.  Stevens,  52  Pa. 
C.  T.  Swope,  4  Ky. 
A.  S.  Stewart,  4  Ky. 

E.  P.  Strickland,  114  111. 
P.  Smith,  4  Tenn.  C. 

J.  W.  Stanton,  5  Ind.  C. 
W.  H.   St.  John,  5  Ind.  C. 

F.  E.  Scripture,  R.  Q.  M. 

A.  B.  Simmons,  5  Ind.  C. 
H.  P.  Starr,  22  N.  Y.  C. 

B.  Spring,  75  Ohio. 

A.  C.  Stover,  95  0. 

C.  P.  Stone,  1  Vt.  C. 
J.  Stebbins,  77  N.  Y. 

C.  S.  Schwartz,  2  N.  J.  C. 
J.  Sailor,  13  Pa.  C. 
H.  C.  Smyser,  2  Md. 
R.  R.  Stewart,  2  N.  Y.  C. 
M.  W.  Striblings,  61   Ohio. 
J.  Smith,  5  Pa.  C.       [Ohio  C. 
J.  0.   Stout,  McLaughlin's  S. 
M.  N.   Shepstrong,  60  Ohio. 
J.  W.  Stanton,  5  Ind.  C. 
J.  P.  Sheehan.  31  Me. 
J.  F.  Shull,  28  U.  S.  C.  T. 
S.  B.  Smith,  30  U.  S.  C.  T. 

B.  F.  Stauber,  20  Pa.  C. 
H.  Schulter,  43  N.  Y. 

L.  D.  Seely,  45  Pa, 

Frank  Stevens,  12  Pa.  V.R.  C. 

A.  F.  Septon,  8  Iowa  C. 
T.  D.  Scofield,  27  Mich. 

C.  B.  Sanders,  30  U.  S.  C.  T. 
P.  A,  Simondson,  23  U.  S.C.T. 
N.  W.  Shaefer,  24  Ind.  C. 
H.  S.  Tainter,  82  N.  Y. 

D.  Tanner,  118  111. 

H.  V.  Tompkins,  59  N.  Y. 

B.  W.  Trout,  106  Pa. 
J.  S.  Tompson,  10  Vt. 


APPENDIX. 


353 


L.  E.  Tyler,  1  Conn.  C. 
A.  Timm,  16  Iowa. 
0.  Todd,  18  Wis. 
A.  W.  Tiffany,  9  Minn. 
J.  Taylor,  2  Pa.  V.  R.  C. 
D.  W.  Tower,  17  Iowa. 

F.  Tomson,  17  Iowa. 

A.  F.  Tipton,  8  Iowa  C. 
David  Turmer,  118  111. 

C.  Tobel,  15  N.  Y.  Art. 
J.  P.  F.  Toby,  31  Me. 
S.  H.  Tinker,  93  Ind. 

D.  D.  Von  Valack,  12  U.  S. 
D.  Van  Doren,  72  Ohio. 

C.  Van  RSnsalaer,  148  N.  Y. 
W.  C.  Van  Alin,  45  Pa. 

A.  Von  Bulow,  3  N.  J.  C. 
0.  W.  West,  1  N.  Y.  Drag. 
J.  B.  Warner,  8  Mich.  C. 

G.  Williams,  8  Mich.  C. 
J.  Winters,  72  Ohio. 

J.  Warner,  33  N.  J. 

J.  F.  Wheeler,  149  N.  Y. 

F.  Waidmann,  16  Iowa. 
J.  Walker,  8  Tenn. 

T.  A.  Weesner^  14  and  15  111. 

G.  J.  West,  6  Conn. 

D.  H.  Wing,  14  N.  Y.  Art. 


C.  W.  Wilcox,  9  N.  H. 
J.  C.  Watson,  126  Ohio. 
F.  M.  Woodruff,  76  N.  Y. 
Geo.  Weddle,  144  Ohio. 

C.  W.  Woodrow,  19  Iowa. 
H.  H.  Willis,  40  N.  Y. 

J.  Winship,  88  111. 
R.  Wilson.  113  111. 
B.  F.  Whitten,  9  Me. 
J.  W.  Warren,  1  Wis.  C. 
W.  Williams,  8  Mich.  C. 
T.  H.  Ward,  59  U.  S.  C.  T. 
J.  Wheaton,  59  U.  S.  C.  T. 

B.  W.  Whittemore,  5  N.  Y.  C. 
H.  A.  Wentworth,  14  N.  Y.  A. 
W.  H.  Walker,  4  Ohio. 

E.  S.  Wilson,  1  Mass.  C. 

D.  H.  Warren,  A.  Surg.  8  I.  C. 
R.  P.  Wilson,  5  U.  S.  C. 

E.  C.  Taw,  67  N.  Y. 
J.  H.  York,  63  Ind. 
W.  J.  Young,  111  111. 
A.  Young,  4  Pa.  C. 
T.  P.  Young,  4  Ky. 

Aaron  Zeigler,  7  Pa.  V.  R.  C. 
A.  Zimm,  15  Iowa. 

C.  Zobel,  15  N.  Y.  A.      . 


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